CURRENT UPDATES FROM THE COUNTY & THE STATE

Jennings Creek Fire Update from the D.E.C. - Posted 11/20/2024

FIRE UPDATE 9 A.M. Nov. 20, 2024

To date, the fire has burned 5,304 acres across New York and New Jersey. The fire is currently 90 percent contained. Overnight operations brought the control percentage from 40 percent to 75 percent.

Today’s operations will continue to focus on mop up, which is laborious but extremely critical to fire fighting. Hand crews will continue to work along the perimeter of the fire line to extinguish all hot spots within 50 feet of the line. Crews work the area by digging down to mineral soil, mixing in water and wet soil until the area is completely cool to the touch. 

New York Air National Guard Chinooks are continuing bucket drops throughout the morning to help saturate the perimeter for mop-up operations.

The voluntary evacuation for Wah-Ta-Wah Park was lifted. Some access to vehicles will be limited. Edgemere Road is open. Residents should expect increased traffic in this area due to ongoing fire patrol.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) Forest Rangers continue to lead firefighters from State agencies, volunteer fire companies, and Montana on suppression efforts. 

Significant rain is expected to move into the area beginning Wednesday night through Friday. Soil within the burned area will become unstable and erosive as it becomes more saturated. Residents may see burned and decomposing trees fall within the fire area. A combination of mud and burned debris may run off into local waterways causing discoloration.

The Jennings Creek wildfire is primarily in the Sterling Forest State Park and is boxed in by fire lines. A fire line is a break in vegetation and potential fuel and is created by removing all vegetation down to bare mineral soil. 

Residents are advised to continue to abide by the statewide burn ban in effect to prevent additional wildfires. The public is encouraged to share this information and continue to follow local official accounts, including the New York State Park Police Facebook account, which will sending out the most up-to-date and verified information regarding the Jennings Fire.

Update From County Executive Steve Neuhaus - Posted 11/19/2024

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