Rangers assist with fires in Hamilton, Warren counties

Town of Indian Lake
Hamilton County
Wildland Fire: On May 14 at 11:52 a.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch was contacted by Hamilton County 911 requesting Forest Ranger assistance for a wildfire off of Starbuck Road in the town of Indian Lake. Forest Rangers Lomnitzer, Temple, Miller, and Scott responded to assist. Over the course of several hours, Forest Rangers worked with the responding volunteer fire departments to suppress and control the fire. After approximately seven acres burned, the fire was placed in patrol status later in the evening. The fire was patrolled and monitored for several days before being declared out. The cause of the fire was traced back to an illegal debris burn by a nearby homeowner. The individual was issued several tickets for illegal burning and related charges.

Town of Fort Ann
Washington County
Wildland Search: On May 14 at 8:46 p.m., Warren County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch from New Jersey two hikers on Buck Mountain without reliable light sources. The pair advised they were still on the trail, but concerned their cell phone lights would not last until they got back to the trailhead. Forest Ranger Poulton arrived on scene at 9:29 p.m., walked up the trail, and located the hikers immediately. The Ranger escorted the pair back to the trailhead and the incident concluded at 9:45 p.m.

Town of Horicon
Warren County
Wildland Fire: On May 15 at 4:05 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch was contacted by Warren County 911 requesting Forest Ranger assistance for a fire off Shaw Hill Road in the town of Horicon. Forest Rangers Saverie, Kabrehl, and Donegan responded to assist. Over the course of several hours, Forest Rangers worked with the responding volunteer fire departments to suppress and control the fire. After approximately four acres burned, the fire was placed in patrol status later that evening. The fire is currently in patrol status and is being monitored daily by Forest Rangers.