Dry Conditions Spark Fires Across New York State

Due to the lack of rainfall, low humidity and wind gusts in the area, Town Supervisor Amanda Gotto issued a state of emergency, declaring a burn ban in New Paltz on Oct. 23. Since then, multiple wildfires have broken out in Ulster County and surrounding regions — one of them being a mere 20 minute drive away.

Shortly after midnight on Oct. 25, several fire departments were called to an active wildfire burning in and around Marlboro Mountain’s Hemlock Ridge in the nearby town of Plattekill. The fire quickly spread, expanding to over 55 acres. The Plattekill Fire Department led a multi-agency response including 19 fire departments, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers and forest rangers on the scene. Helicopters dropped 23,000 gallons of water on the fire in addition to 45,000 gallons of water moved by Plattekill Engines into ATVs and backpack tank suppression units. 

The New Paltz Fire Department assisted in the efforts, contributing with equipment such as leaf blowers and some firefighters on the ground. The leaf blowers allowed firefighters to blow leaf litter that was fueling the brush fire out of its path and into control lines. By 5:57 p.m. on Oct. 27, the fire was officially contained.

The fire had minimal effects on surrounding life and property. Responders were able to prevent the fire from spreading to any houses nearby. Since the fire was primarily fueled by leaf litter, there was minimal tree mortality. Tree bark was charred and there was somewhat widespread mortality of immature trees in the understory. However, the forest’s healthier oaks were retained in the overstory. Evan Masten, a forester with the DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests, believes that the wildfire has positive long-term benefits. The removal of the leaf litter layer exposes minerals that encourage oak seedlings to become established and regenerate.

“There are short-term impacts to the surrounding community, especially for those that have sensitivity to smoke conditions,” Masten said. “It initially caused [animals] to shift patterns, but over the long-term this fire will likely benefit wildlife.”

While the fire is contained, it is not 100% out. The continuous falling of leaves and steep terrain of the area has made firefighting efforts extremely difficult. Forest rangers are still monitoring inside the control lines to ensure that any remaining hotspots do not reignite the forest. 

“Usually by now, the fire puts itself out. After we contain it and get a lot of water on it, then nature will help us out at some point. But not this season. Nature is not helping us at all,” forest ranger John J. Rusher IV said.

According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, Ulster County experienced its fourth driest October on record over the past 130 years, with 3.09 less inches of rainfall than average. On Nov. 2, the DEC declared a drought watch for 15 New York counties, including Ulster. The DEC cited the shortage of rainfall and declining levels of streamflow and groundwater as reasons for the advisory. While there are no mandatory requirements for residents to adjust their water usage, the DEC encouraged residents to conserve water where they can. If conditions worsen, a higher level advisory could be released: a warning, emergency or disaster. Watering lawns only when necessary with reused water, raising lawn mower cutting heights and fixing leaking pipes are just a few ways that people can help conserve water.

As of right now, there is no human error that can be linked to the Hemlock Ridge fire. “The cause [of the fire] is still under investigation. [In our] preliminary findings, there’s nothing that led us to believe there’s any foul play,” Rusher said. “I can’t say with certainty, but just the conditions this season contributed to the spread of the fire. You’re going to get high temperatures, low humidity, high winds and the dry fuels.”

Other areas have experienced similar conditions and rapidly spreading fires. On Nov. 8, another Ulster County fire near Whitehouse Road in Denning’s Peekamoose Mountain area broke out. As of Nov. 11, the fire spread across approximately 600 acres and was 90% contained. High winds spread the smell of smoke to surrounding areas. A Jennings Creek forest fire in Sterling Forest in Greenwood Lake has now spread 5,000 acres across the New York-New Jersey border, killing an 18-year-old Parks and Recreation Aid employee battling the fire. As of Nov. 11, the fire is only 20% contained, with 33 five-person hand crews, five engines, four water tankers, six helicopters and 230 people in the field fighting the fire. A two-acre brush fire occurred in New York City’s Prospect Park the night of Nov. 8, but it was contained within a matter of hours. In light of these many fires and the smoke they created, DEC interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an air quality health advisory for fine particulate matter, effective for 24 hours on Nov. 9 for the New York City metro region. Another advisory was issued on Nov. 10 for the New York City metro area, and the lower and upper Hudson Valley regions. 

On Oct. 25, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new weather data tool in collaboration with the DEC and New York State Mesonet at the University at Albany researchers to help prevent future wildfires. They’re utilizing data from the University at Albany’s statewide weather network to generate daily fire danger ratings in a real-time map. The map allows New Yorkers to be aware of red flag warnings in their area, meaning a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures may be creating critical fire weather conditions.

On Nov. 8, the town of New Paltz reminded residents that the burn ban is still in effect. The village of New Paltz, which is separate from the town, always prohibits burning. New York State law does not allow burning within any village, city or town with a population over 20,000 under Part 215 of Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR). According to the National Park Service, nearly 85% of wildland fires in the U.S. are caused by humans, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, equipment malfunctions and the burning of debris. New Paltz Fire Chief Cory Wirthmann encouraged residents to make educated decisions when it comes to lighting any kind of flame.

“Be mindful of the weather. If it’s really dry, maybe it’s not a good idea to burn,” Wirthmann said. “Be aware and be mindful of your surroundings. There’s times to do this stuff, and there’s times, unfortunately, you just shouldn’t.”

Correction: An earlier version of this article stated this October was Ulster County’s driest on record over the last 130 years. It was the fourth-driest.