A young state parks worker, Dariel Vasquez, 18, was tragically killed on Saturday while responding to a severe wildfire in Orange County, originating across the state line in New Jersey, according to the Times Union.
Employed by New York’s Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, Vasquez was helping control the blaze in Sterling Forest near Greenwood Lake when he suffered fatal injuries. The exact circumstances of his death remain under investigation, and although some local fire departments suggested possible causes online, these have yet to be officially confirmed.
The fire, which started in Jennings Creek in West Milford, New Jersey, had expanded to about 2,500 acres by Sunday, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. In a joint response, New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation and the New Jersey agency assumed “unified command” to combat the spreading flames, which now threaten multiple homes on East Shore Road in Greenwood Lake, New York. With the Hudson Valley and Catskills facing drought conditions, the fire risk has been classified as high, contributing to the wildfire’s rapid spread.
The town of Warwick advised residents on Cliff Road to voluntarily evacuate as winds intensified on Sunday. Local officials also cautioned nearby communities to prepare for potential power outages, suggesting that residents keep essentials like charged phones and flashlights readily available.
Smoke posed the biggest health concern over the weekend. To assist residents with respiratory issues, Warwick opened the Greenwood Lake Community Center as a safe haven, with the American Red Cross on-site. Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus encouraged residents to remain prepared, especially those in close proximity to the wildfire, and to be ready with evacuation plans if the situation worsens. Neuhaus warned that air quality issues from smoke could persist into the coming week, impacting surrounding communities.
The National Weather Service issued air quality alerts across much of the Hudson Valley, noting heightened fire risk due to the dry weather, wind, and low humidity levels. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) also released an advisory, which was set to expire at midnight Sunday, with rain expected to help reduce smoke in the area.
In a video update, Neuhaus reassured residents that state and local officials were carefully monitoring the fire, emphasizing the need to avoid any outdoor burning due to drought conditions. Orange County is also handling additional smaller fires.
In Ulster County, nearly 185 firefighters from multiple agencies are battling the Whitehouse Fire in Denning, which had covered around 422 acres by Sunday. Officials were close to fully containing it, although smoke was affecting communities as far north as Saratoga County. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger advised the public to avoid traveling in the Sundown Wild Forest area, and road closures were in effect on Peekamoose Road.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed sympathy for the loss of Vasquez.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of our New York state parks employees while responding to a wildfire in Orange County yesterday. My prayers go out to his family, friends and coworkers during this difficult time,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “I commend his dedication to serving and protecting his fellow New Yorkers, and his bravery on the front lines,” she said.
