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 Riverhead, Monroe, Denning, Warwick, Rochester, Lake Luzerne
Orange, Suffolk, Ulster, and Warren Counties
Wildland Fires: Recent dry and windy conditions have resulted in numerous wildfires across New York State. There are currently six active fires that have burned more than 6,000 acres.

On Nov. 9, Forest Rangers responded to a fire measuring 21.5 acres in Riverhead. The fire is currently in patrol status.

On Nov. 17, Forest Rangers responded to a 43-acre fire in Monroe. The fire is now contained.

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 is now in patrol status. Rangers also fully contained a 27-acre fire in Rochester, Ulster County and put out a small fire in Lake Luzerne.

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 90 percent contained. Rangers are leading the efforts with six state agencies (DEC, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and New York Army National Guard), U.S. Fish and Wildlife, dozens of volunteer fire departments from across the state, and 18 wildland firefighters from Montana.

Conditions continue to result in a "High" and "Very High" fire danger in certain regions. A high fire danger means all fine, dead fuels ignite readily and fires can start easily from most causes, including unattended brush and campfires. Fires may become serious and controlling them difficult, so attacking fires while still small is imperative. An updated fire danger map is available on the DEC website.

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

Jennings Creek fire in Warwick

Jennings Creek fire in Warwick

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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