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New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
The number of confirmed deaths from six separate wildfires in the Los Angeles area has climbed to 16.
The situation remains dire, with at least another 16 people still reported missing, and authorities anticipate that this number may increase as the search continues.
The wildfires have destroyed 40,000 acres -- more than twice the size of Manhattan and almost the size of Washington, DC, while The creating apocalyptic scenes that seem straight from a horror movie.
More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed.
A red flag warnings for dangerous fire conditions through Wednesday, Jan.…
32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires
A former child star and motivational speaker is among the victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, his family has confirmed.
Click here for a new, updated story - Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
Rory Sykes, 32, an Australian who gained media attention as a boy for sharing his experiences living with disabilities, died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at his family’s estate in Malibu, his mother, Shelley Sykes, announced in a post on X.
“It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yeste…
New Hudson Valley Fire Station Celebrates Opening
Hundreds of residents, city officials, and firefighters turned out to unveil a fire department's new station, which consolidates three stations into one.
The event occurred in Dutchess County on Saturday, Nov. 16, in Beacon.
According to Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou, the new central station for the Beacon Fire Department, located at the “gateway” to Beacon on Route 9D opposite City Hall, represents the culmination of decades of studies and plans to consolidate three fire stations into one central location.
Kyriacou said the 17,000-square-foot facility, which costs $14.7 mi…
Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later
After almost one whole week, the Jennings Creek Wildfire had been 75% contained on Thursday, Nov. 14, officials said.
The wildfire continues to burn across Passaic County, NJ, and into Orange County, NY, with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York Department of Environmental Conservation leading containment efforts. The fire has burned 2,283 acres in New Jersey.
While no structures are currently threatened or evacuated in New Jersey, residents are advised to avoid the area. Road closures remain in effect on East Shore Road from Awosting Road to Greenwood Lake Turnpike, as well as B…
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds
The Jennings Creek Wildfire, now spanning 3,500 acres across Passaic County, NJ, and Orange County, NY, is only 20% contained, with strong winds and low humidity posing continued risks for rapid spread.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York’s Division of Forest Protection and Fire Management are working in unified command to strengthen containment lines in preparation for tomorrow’s forecasted weather.
Firefighters focused efforts Tuesday, Nov. 12 on reinforcing the eastern containment line, using controlled burns to remove unburned pockets of fuel.
Resources deployed…
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18, HS Baseball Captain Killed In Sterling Forest Wildfire
Shock and sadness spread following the death of 18-year-old firefighter Dariel Vasquez, who was killed on Saturday, Nov. 9, while bravely battling the Jennings Creek Wildfire that spread from New Jersey into Greenwood Lake, New York.
Vasquez, a young Parks and Recreation Aide with the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, lost his life in the line of duty, a heartbreaking end to a life full of promise and service. New York State Police are investigating the circumstances of his death.
Known as a rising star in his community, Dariel was a former R…
Large Brush Fire Breaks Out At State Park In Hudson Valley
For two days, numerous Hudson Valley fire departments battled a stubborn brush fire atop Nordkop Mountain.
The fire occurred in Rockland County on Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27, in Harriman State Park in Hillburn.
The Hillburn Fire Department, with the assistance of several fire departments and New York State Park rangers, battled the blaze that consumed acres.
According to the Hillburn Fire Department, firefighters cut fire lines and worked to put out the blaze, which they described as "difficult and stubborn."
The department said the fire was contained on Sunday, and park range…
Lifelong Hudson Valley Resident Who Served As Fire Chief, Owned Catering Business Dies At 70
A popular lifelong Hudson Valley former fire chief and catering business owner known for his love of cooking has died at the age of 70.
Ulster County resident Michael B. Hackett, of Highland, passed away on Monday, Jan. 15. He was born on Sunday, June 7, 1953, in Poughkeepsie, to the late Francis and the late Rita (McGrath) Hackett, according to his obituary.
He was a resident all of his life. He was a graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls and a member of St. Martin de Porres Church in Poughkeepsie, his obituary said,
Retired from Geodis/IBM of Poughkeepsie…
Former Volunteer Firefighter In Region Who 'Always Put Others Before Herself' Dies At Age 85
Friends and loved ones are mourning the loss of a former firefighter in the region with a history of serving her community.
Saratoga County’s Carole McBride, of the Town of Halfmoon, died Friday, Dec. 23, at the age of 85, according to her obituary. A cause of death was not given.
Born in Troy on Feb. 26, 1937 to parents Hubert and Helen Muckle, “she was known for her warm and welcoming personality, always putting others before herself, and going out of the way to help those in need,” reads her memorial.
McBride volunteered in the Clifton Park Halfmoon Emergency Corps, where she rose to t…
