New York State Forest Ranger Dies Battling Greenwood Lake Wildfire

A New York state forest ranger tragically lost his life while battling a wildfire in the Greenwood Lake area on Saturday, November 9. The incident occurred as firefighters were combating the Jennings Creek wildfire, which has been affecting both New York and New Jersey due to the ongoing drought conditions in the region.

According to reports, the forest ranger was struck by a falling tree during the firefighting efforts. Rescue teams performed CPR, and the ranger was airlifted to a hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The Jennings Creek wildfire, which started on Thursday, has spread across approximately 1,800 acres, affecting areas near Greenwood Lake Turnpike and East Shore Road in West Milford, New Jersey, and Orange County, New York. The fire threatens two homes and eight structures in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, although no evacuations have been ordered at this time.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service, along with other local and state agencies, including the Town of Warwick Police Department, New York State Police, and the Greenwood Lake Fire Department, are actively engaged in combating the fire. Fire engines, ground crews, and helicopters capable of dropping 350 gallons of water have been deployed to the scene.

The dry and windy conditions in the region have exacerbated the fire situation, with multiple wildfires reported across New Jersey and New York. An air quality alert has been issued for northern New Jersey, New York City, and the Hudson Valley due to the smoke from these fires.

East Shore Road and Beach Road are currently closed, and all trails in Long Pond Ironworks State Park and Tranquility Ridge have been shut down due to the fire.