DEC Forest Rangers – Week in Review

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

In 2023, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 370 search and rescue missions, extinguished 146 wildfires covering nearly 1,400 acres, participated in 52 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,000 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.

"Whether they are leading complex search and rescue incidents, suppressing wildfires, enforcing laws on State lands and easements, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, or encouraging responsible recreation, Forest Rangers stand ready to help when called," DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. "Forest Rangers' wide-ranging expertise and collaboration with local, State, and federal partners are instrumental in protecting New York's public lands and the many visitors who use them."

Towns of Denning and Warwick
Orange and Ulster Counties
Wildland Fires: Recent rain and snow have reduced the wildfire risk caused by dry and windy conditions earlier this month. There are currently two active fires that have burned nearly 6,000 acres.

On Nov. 18, Forest Rangers responded to a fire in the town of Denning caused by debris burning that grew to 645 acres. The fire remains in patrol status.

Rangers remain on the scene of a 5,304-acre fire in the town of Warwick. The Jennings Creek fire, which straddles the New York and New Jersey border, is now in patrol status.

Governor Hochul issued a statewide burn ban, which is in effect until Nov. 30, 2024. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.

Town of Newcomb
Essex County
Forest Ranger Academy: The 24^th Basic School for Forest Rangers finished a 28-week academy training in Newcomb on the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Huntington Wildlife Forest campus. After graduation, recruits will complete 12 weeks of field training in permanent regional assignments. In these final weeks of the academy, recruits completed training in backcountry preparedness, wilderness first aid, crisis intervention. and Officer wellness. Academy activities finished with a shield ceremony and a "color run." The class organized the color run to commemorate a final run together while carrying their class flag bearing the names of Forest Rangers who have died in the line of duty, passed while engaged in Ranger-related activities, or succumbed to suicide. Academy staff and field Forest Rangers participated in the color run with the class.

Academy wildland first aid training

Academy shield ceremony

Academy color run

Academy class

Town of Harrietstown
Franklin County
Wilderness Search: On Nov. 21 at 10:35 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance in the search for a missing hunter. The 79-year-old from Lake Placid lost his way on the trail. At 11:24 a.m., Rangers Corey and Curcio located the subject and helped him back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 12:56 p.m.

Town of Fenton
Broome County
Motor Vehicle Accident/Medical Event: On Nov. 23 at 12:17 p.m., Forest Ranger Oldroyd saw the result of a three-car accident while on patrol. One of the drivers suffered a cardiac event. Ranger Oldroyd began administering CPR. At 12:26 p.m., New York State Police and EMS arrived and took over patient care. Despite their efforts, the patient was declared deceased at the scene.

Town of North Elba
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 23 at 6:38 p.m., while on patrol, Forest Ranger Foutch met a hiker who reported they had seen a hiker from Connecticut struggling to hike down Phelps Mountain due to a knee injury. The injured hiker was being helped by his hiking party. Ranger Foutch responded with a UTV on the truck trail, reached the hiker, and gave him a ride to his vehicle. The subject declined further medical assistance. Resources were clear at 7:18 p.m.

Town of Keene
Essex County
Wilderness Rescue: On Nov. 24 at 12 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call that two hikers were overdue on Big Slide Mountain. The caller, who was originally with the two overdue hikers but finished the hike before they did, went back out to find the 58- and 60-year-olds from New Jersey. At 12:37 a.m., that hiker found the pair in good condition and hiked back down alone. At 2:31 a.m., the hikers still had not returned. Forest Rangers Foutch and Lewis hiked in to find the missing duo. Rangers found the two subjects, warmed them, and helped them back to their vehicle. Resources were clear at 4:47 a.m.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC's Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it's for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

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