By Melanie Lekocevic
Capital Region Independent Media
COEYMANS — Volunteers with several local fire departments are heading downstate this morning to help with the wildfires that are still burning in Ulster and Orange counties.
The Ravena fire department is deploying one fire truck and a team of firefighters to help douse the blazes that have been burning for days. Coeymans Hollow also sent a contingent of firefighters and equipment to assist at the Jennings Creek fire in Orange County.
The departments’ assistance was requested through the New York State Fire Mobilization and Mutual Aid Plan Activation, according to Deputy Fire Chief Travis Witbeck.
“As soon as the request for assistance was made, many members of our department immediately volunteered to provide assistance,” Witbeck said in a statement. “Their willingness to assist our brothers and sisters downstate in their time of need further demonstrates the strength and resolve of the fire service. Our department has deployed equipment and manpower several times in the past to respond to disasters across the state.”
Firefighters from around the state are joining forces to aid in putting out the fires. Ravena firefighters are expected to be deployed for up to 72 hours, Witbeck said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statewide burn ban as dry and windy conditions continue to increase the risk for wildfires.
“It’s absolutely critical that New Yorkers avoid any outdoor burning at this time,” Hochul said in a press conference Tuesday. “We have announced — we’re announcing today a statewide burn ban because the threats are too great. And we cannot have our resources directed to smaller fires. We need everybody, all hands on deck, on the major scale fires we have right here.”
Windy conditions brought smoke and haze from the wildfires to the Capital Region over the weekend.
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