Thousands of acres of woods in New York and New Jersey continue to burn, with the nearby Jennings Creek/Sterling Forest State Park fire estimated to have consumed more than 5,000 acres as of late yesterday afternoon. In an update yesterday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said hundreds of firefighters and personnel from many state organizations were working to contain the blazes…
18 year-old Pomona resident Dariel Vasquez, a Ramapo High School graduate who worked for the Parks and Recreation department, was killed while helping to contain the fires on Saturday in the Sterling Forest area of Greenwood Lake. Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said the fires have been among the most difficult situations he’s ever seen…
New York State Police determined Vasquez was killed around 3:44 Saturday afternoon when he was struck by a fallen tree. Randy Simons is the New York State Parks Commissioner, and he praised Dariel’s efforts to save others…
Frank Voce of Congers is with the Rockland County Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, and he said too many firefighters like Vasquez pay the ultimate price protecting others…
Brenda called “The Morning Show” yesterday and suggested reaching out to people who are in the area and offer assistance, if possible…
Weather conditions continue to favor brush fires, as the humidity is projected to be low, no rain in sight, and winds kicking up, encouraging the flames to spread. The county and now the state both continue to enforce outdoor burn bans, including the burning of brush, leaves, and other yard debris, along with fire pits and campfires.