The Jennings Creek Fire in Sterling Forest in Greenwood Lake

By Myrek Zastavnyi

Warwick, 11/12/2024 – Greenwood Lake and Warwick residents are on alert as the Jennings Creek wildfire continues to threaten homes and has tragically claimed the life of an 18-year-old state parks employee. Originating near the New York–New Jersey border, this wildfire has expanded to over 5,000 acres, making it one of the largest natural disasters in recent Warwick history.

Fueled by ongoing drought and wind conditions, on Tuesday the fire remains only 20 percent contained, with firefighting efforts hindered by high winds and limited rainfall.

The wildfire, which began days ago in Sterling Forest State Park, has spread rapidly in the dry conditions. Local authorities and emergency responders from multiple agencies, including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York Air National Guard, are actively battling the blaze. Blackhawk helicopters, along with state police helicopters, have been deployed to drop hundreds of gallons of water on the flames in each pass.

Warwick Town Supervisor Jesse Dwyer, who has been on the front lines supporting emergency efforts, called the wildfire “one of the worst natural disasters to hit the region in decades,” underscoring the intensity of the crisis. He led local police officers in advising residents along Cliff Road about voluntary evacuations and in assisting first responders with on-the-ground logistics. With winds reaching up to 40 mph, embers from the fire have the potential to ignite new fires in nearby areas. As a precaution, officials advised residents along Cliff Road to evacuate voluntarily on Sunday, while first responders went door-to-door to notify the community.  Though there is no current mandatory evacuation, Dwyer emphasized the need for residents to stay prepared, especially with additional fires sparking in surrounding areas.

As dry conditions persist, firefighters from more than 240 departments throughout New York and New Jersey have joined local agencies to battle the flames. Dwyer and other officials have coordinated with the American Red Cross to establish the American Legion at 40 Mountain Lakes Lane as an emergency shelter. Dwyer emphasized the importance of preparation, stating that further evacuations could become necessary as the fire spreads and winds increase to 40 mph.

Local leaders continue to call for community resilience and awareness. Dwyer’s coordination with state and federal agencies illustrates town leadership, helping to bolster Warwick’s response in this ongoing emergency.

The Greenwood Lake Fire Department, in coordination with the Warwick Police Department and other local responders, is closely monitoring the fire’s impact on the community. Warwick PD has been proactive in warning residents and offering resources, including evacuation shelters at the local American Legion on Mountain Lakes Lane, which will be staffed by the American Red Cross if mandatory evacuations become necessary.

“Our firefighters on the front lines are showing incredible bravery and resilience as they work tirelessly to control this dangerous blaze,” said Warwick Police Chief John Raider. “Our primary mission remains the safety of our residents in the affected areas, and we are fully committed to supporting the firefighting teams as they continue their critical work.”

Dwyer highlighted the selfless dedication of first responders, with numerous departments from New York and New Jersey putting in long hours to protect residents and property, reflecting the urgency of controlling the blaze as it nears populated regions.

The Jennings Creek wildfire has already tragically claimed the life of 18-year-old Parks and Recreation Aid Dariel Vasquez. Employed by the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, Vasquez was struck by a falling tree while working alongside Forest Rangers to contain the flames. CPR was administered, and he was airlifted to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. “There are no words that can express our feelings of loss,” said NYS DEC Division of Forest Protection Acting Director Robert Cavanagh in a statement. “We will do everything we can to assist this individual’s family.”

Governor Kathy Hochul expressed deep condolences for Vasquez’s family and acknowledged the dedication of all first responders putting their lives on the line to protect the region. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of our New York State Parks employees while responding to a wildfire in Orange County,” she said in a statement. “My prayers go out to his family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time.”

Air quality in Greenwood Lake, Warwick, and surrounding communities remains a major concern as smoke from the Jennings Creek fire creates hazy conditions and a strong odor of burning brush. The DEC has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for sensitive groups, urging people with respiratory issues, as well as young children and the elderly, to limit outdoor activities. Visibility remains reduced, with thick smoke blanketing parts of Orange County, and residents are encouraged to stay indoors when possible.

The drought conditions aggravating these fires have been worsening across the Hudson Valley for weeks. Last Saturday, the DEC officially placed the region under a Drought Watch due to below-average rainfall and low groundwater levels. Orange, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties are all affected.

Local officials are hopeful that weather conditions will improve, but with no significant rainfall in the forecast, fire suppression efforts remain critical. Supervisor Dwyer reassured the community of the ongoing support, saying, “Our local firefighters and supporting agencies are doing everything possible to keep us safe. I cannot begin to express how thankful I am for all of the hard work they are performing on our behalf.”

As efforts continue to control the fire, Greenwood Lake and Warwick residents are encouraged to stay informed through updates from local authorities, heed air quality warnings, and remain vigilant for any emergency advisories.