Dry conditions caused substantial wildfires across the state, including Allegany County
From the NYS DEC, pictured is aftermath of brushfire in Woodstock NY on November 4
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other State agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.
During the first nine months of 2026, Forest Rangers conducted 277 search and rescue missions, extinguished 93 wildfires covering more than 224 acres, and participated in 54 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,355 acres of land. In 2025, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 202 wildfires covering 840 acres, participated in 68 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate 1,649 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,100 tickets and arrests. Also in 2025, 41 Forest Rangers were deployed to fire assignments in 10 different states.
“Our Forest Rangers are elite law enforcement leaders who put their lives on the line when they respond to a search and rescue, wildland fire, or State land violation,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “We’re fortunate to have them patrolling State lands and keeping people safe. Their expertise and professionalism are valuable assets, not only in New York, but around the country wherever emergencies arise.”
Town of Union Vale
Dutchess County
Wildland Fire: On November 2 at 2:30 p.m., Forest Rangers Grillo and Pries responded to a wildland fire. The fire started in a fire pit and spread to a shed, and then to the woods. At 6:14 p.m., the Beekman, Lagrange, and Union Vale Fire Departments and Rangers declared the 0.5-acre fire out.
Union Vale wildland fire
Town of Wirt
Allegany County
Wildland Fire: On November 2 at 4 p.m., Forest Rangers Owen and Thaine assisted Allentown, Friendship, and Richburg Fire Departments with a wildland fire near East Hill Road. Allegany County Ambulance and Allegany County’s drones, along with New York State Police also assisted. The 7.1-acre fire was from past brush burning which had smoldered unnoticed in the duff layer in dry conditions before a flare up that spread into the woods. By 5:45 p.m., fire crews had the fire under control. The following two days, Rangers continued to put out hotspots.
Wirt wildland fire
Town of Woodstock
Ulster County
Wildland Fire: On November 4 at 2:20 p.m., Forest Rangers responded to a wildland fire off of Abby Road on Phoenicia Mount Tobias Wild Forest. The Cedar Grove, Olive, Phoenicia, West Hurley, and Woodstock Fire Departments also responded. By 7:30 p.m., fire crews contained the 11-acre fire. One motor vehicle parked in the area was destroyed.
Woodstock wildland fire
Village of Burdett
Schuyler County
Wildland Fire: On November 4 at 2:30 p.m., Forest Ranger Miller responded to a 4.9-acre wildland fire in timber litter on Matthews Road. It was caused by a landowner burning junk mail in a firepit in the woods. By 5:35 p.m., multiple fire departments contained the fire. At 10:05 p.m., the landowner reported increased fire activity. Rangers returned to the scene and determined the fire line containing the wildland fire was still intact. The following morning, four Rangers continued mop-up operations. On November 7, Rangers declared the fire out.
Town of Lysander
Onondaga County
Training: On November 6, Forest Ranger Oldroyd presented the S-130 Field Exercise course for the National Wildfire Coordinating Group training. More than 40 DEC employees and State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry students participated.
