By DIANE VALDEN
HUDSON—With rain, and in higher elevations snow predicted to start early Thursday, November 21 and continue through Friday, some relief from the current drought is finally expected.
Columbia County is currently under a state Department of Environmental Conservation drought watch and the Hudson Valley is at a “very high” fire danger risk. Only “extreme” is a higher risk rating, according to the NYSDEC. The area currently has a rain deficit for the year of several inches.
A November 12 Facebook post from the Columbia County Fire Coordinator’s Office noted that volunteer firefighters from
Columbia County “completed three 12-hour deployments to Orange County in support of the large scale brush fires in the Greenwood Lake area. Six more crews are deploying on the morning of November 13 for a 72 hour assignment. Columbia County departments working these fires are Canaan, Greenport, Niverville, Claverack, Stuyvesant, Stockport/Stottville, Ghent, Taghkanic, Kinderhook, Tri-Village, Mellenville and Hudson. These 12 companies have collectively sent 100+ volunteers over a six-day period in support of this devastating event. There are more companies and crews from Columbia County waiting to provide more support if needed, while continuing to provide protection for the residents of this great county. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to helping wherever needed,” the post said.
A November 17 update said, “Efforts overnight to protect structures were successful and no structures are in danger. The small section of fire that breached a containment line did not reach the contingency line.
Last night’s voluntary evacuation was successful and allowed emergency apparatus and firefighters to operate uninterrupted through the night. The voluntary evacuation remains in place at least until tomorrow to allow for continued firefighting efforts.
“New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) forest rangers will lead firefighters from state agencies, volunteer fire companies, and Montana on today’s suppression efforts, which include bucket drops from New York Air National Guard Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters. There will also be burnout operations, which will lead to more visible smoke.
“The Jennings Creek wildfire is primarily in the Sterling Forest State Park and is boxed in by fire lines. It has burned 5,207 acres and is 88% contained.”
The public was encouraged to share this information and continue to follow local official accounts for the most up-to-date and accurate information, including the New York State Park Police Facebook account, which will send out verified information regarding the Jennings Fire.
The Village of Kinderhook issued a November 18 special recognition statement regarding the Palmer Engine and Hose Company/Kinderhook Fire Department which said, “Last week six of our firefighters were deployed to the Sullivan and Orange county region…by the New York State Office of Emergency Management to assist in fighting the brush fires. The team of six volunteers led by Chief Matt Cohn included Ray Lauster, Quinn Murphy, Dakota Cohn, Nick Eisen and Brady Rowe [who] worked a 12-hour shift in addition to 2 hours of drive time each way. The Village of Kinderhook Board of Trustees and the Mayor would like to thank our volunteer firefighters for their dedication and commitment to serving their community and beyond.” The statement was signed by Mayor Dorene M. Weir and Board of Trustees members.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com
Greenport Rescue Squad expands life-saving capabilities
GREENPORT—Greenport Rescue Squad, Inc. announced the introduction of four state-of-the-art Hamilton Ventilators to be carried on board its ambulances. These advanced ventilators, valued at about $20,000 each, will be utilized on both 911 emergency calls and interfacility transport, enhancing the organization’s ability to provide the highest standard of care to patients in critical need, according to a press release.
The Hamilton Ventilators are among the most sophisticated mechanical ventilators in the nation, offering advanced features and capabilities that align with the rapid advancements in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). With a five-year financing plan in place, Greenport Rescue Squad continues to demonstrate its commitment to investing in the latest medical technology to support both its exceptional medical providers and the communities they serve. The Board of Directors recently approved this significant investment to ensure the continued advancement of the organization’s capabilities.
“Greenport Rescue Squad has always been dedicated to ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care, which includes equipping our ambulances with the most modern, reliable, and effective equipment available. As EMS technology continues to evolve, we are proud to stay ahead of the curve and provide our highly-skilled team with the tools they need to succeed in this rapidly changing environment. The addition of these ventilators is just one example of our ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care,” Aidan O’Connor, executive director of Greenport Rescue Squad, Inc. said in the release.
The Hamilton Ventilators will enhance Greenport Rescue Squad’s ability to manage critical respiratory needs for patients during transport, providing advanced ventilation modes that are customizable based on patient condition. This new equipment will further reinforce Greenport Rescue Squad’s reputation as a leader in emergency medical response, as they continue to offer the best care possible during some of the most critical moments in people’s lives.
Learn more about the Greenport Rescue Squad at www.GreenportRescue.org
Emergency Plug devices donated to local fire departments
CHATHAM–MetzWood Insurance has announced a donation of Emergency Plug devices to three local fire departments: Kinderhook, Chatham and Mellenville.
The Emergency Plug is a cutting-edge tool designed to enhance the safety of first responders when dealing with electric vehicle (EV) accidents.
By swiftly shutting off partial electricity, this device prevents unexpected movement and creates a secure working environment for firefighters. The user-friendly design and compatibility with various EV models ensure efficient and reliable operation.
“Since opening in 1913, we’ve been committed to building a stronger and safer community. While we value the benefits of electric vehicles, we recognize the new challenges that come with them. We hope that with these new devices, our local first responders feel better equipped and confident to keep our community safe,” Matthew Wood, the company’s president, said in a press release.
The team at MetzWood is grateful for the dedication and bravery of local first responders.
