Local fire departments respond to downstate wildfires

GRAHAMSVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Local fire departments were sent downstate to help battle two wildfires that have been spreading for a couple days. Fire crews said neither fire is contained yet and they’re trying their best to keep it away from surrounding communities.

Grahamsville Fire Chief Michael Kelly and New York State Forest Ranger JJ Rushed led the effort Monday to put out the Whitehouse fire in Ulster County. This fire began on Friday and has spread over 600 acres.

Rusher said multiple mutual aids were called Monday to help them contain the spread.

“Essentially “

The fire is about 90% contained right now. Crews are hoping for more progress shortly.

“We’re hoping to have it fully contained within the next 24 hours,” said Kelly.

Local fire departments including Catskill and Coxsackie responded to the Whitehouse fire, but other local departments went to Orange County Monday.

The Orange County fire in Greenwood Lake is stretched 5,000 acres from New Jersey to New York. Crews said the fire started on Oct. 18 in New Jersey and reached Orange County on Saturday. The fire is about 20% contained.

These departments include, but are not limited to, East Berne, Cobleskill, Carlisle, Cooeyman, Greenport and Schoharie. Matt Brisley, the Schoharie County Fire Coordinator, was down there Monday and said there is a lot of work to be done.

“Our task right now is to clear all the leaves and things that burn from this trail and make it about 10-12 feet wide. Over where it’s sunny behind us over that hill is where the fire is burning so we’re trying to make a fire break,” said Brisley.

“They expect the winds to pick up later so we’re trying to avoid letting it spread over here to behind me here,” said Brisley.

Both wildfires also have nearby communities that crews are trying to save.

“There are multiple houses here there are houses along Whitehouse Road and houses along Peakamoose Road so there definitely structures that were threatened,” said Rusher.

Fire crews do not know how long each of the fires will burn. They said the main goal right now is containment. They’re still advising people not to burn anything outside for the foreseeable future. Stick with News 10 for updates.