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Cuomo Deploys State Resources To Fight Harriman State Park Brush Fires

With about 540 acres engulfed in brush fires, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced state emergency personnel and resources have been deployed to Harriman State Park in Rockland and Orange counties.

Two fires have burned more than 500 acres at Harriman State Park.

Two fires have burned more than 500 acres at Harriman State Park.

Photo Credit: Orange and Rockland County Fire/Facebook

More than 40 state and local first responders are working to maintain control around the first blaze, which was originally reported about 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Pine Meadow area of the park in Ramapo. 

This fire has burned about 100 acres and is completely contained. 

A second fire was reported about 11:45 that night on Tom Jones Mountain, a remote area of the park in the town of Tuxedo in Orange County. 

That fire has burned about 440 acres and was 90 percent contained at the time of the deployment. 

No residents in the area remain in the direct path of the fire, with personnel from the Department of Environmental Conservation, Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and Office of Emergency Management working with fire departments from Rockland and Orange County to contain and eliminate the fires, as well as protect camp structures in the area.

Tuxedo and Sloatsburg fire companies also have provided personnel and equipment.

“State emergency personnel have been working around the clock to contain this wildfire and protect the safety of New Yorkers living in nearby communities,” Cuomo said. 

“We urge those in the affected areas to be aware of the current dangers, stay informed of developments and to remain alert.”

Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties, is the second-largest park in the parks system, with a mountainous terrain that presents unique challenges due to its difficulty to access. 

For safety reasons, Route 106 is closed between Route 17 and Seven Lakes Drive.

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services reminds New Yorkers to have a family evacuation plan and a go kit ready for emergencies.

For a list of emergency supplies, visit the state's preparedness website.

For wildfire safety information, visit the state's wildfire safety website.

For information on how to protect your home, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation website.

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