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Firefighting

Hudson Valley Wildfires Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Hudson Valley Wildfires Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency
Hudson Valley Wildfires Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency As the wildfires continue to burn across the state and in the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined the extensive efforts to combat them, highlighting the crucial roles played by local and national agencies in tackling the blazes. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Hochul provided an update on the ongoing wildfire situation in the state, prompting a robust response from more than 400 fire departments and over 1,300 personnel.  These teams have worked tirelessly to contain fires in Orange and Ulster counties, closely coordinating with local fire departments and first responders. Hochul said th…
New Hudson Valley Fire Station Celebrates Opening New Hudson Valley Fire Station Celebrates Opening
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 Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later
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…
Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley
Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley As the wildfires continue to burn across the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul updated what's being done to mitigate and contain them. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Hochul said a multi-agency response had been deployed to fires in Orange and Ulster counties in close coordination with local fire departments and first responders.  According to Hochul, an aerial investigation shows the Orange County fire named the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire in New York and New Jersey now encompasses 5,000 acres, half of which is in New York, and is 10 percent contained in both states. The fire in …
Massive Wildfire In Hudson Valley Spreads To 600 Acres Massive Wildfire In Hudson Valley Spreads To 600 Acres
Massive Wildfire In Hudson Valley Spreads To 600 Acres A massive wildfire in the Hudson Valley is now 95 percent contained as firefighters continue establishing a control line to try and gain full containment.  The Whitehouse Fire in Ulster County in Denning had grown to 630 areas as of late Monday, Nov. 11. Metzger said Tuesday, Nov. 12, firefighters from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and more than 200 volunteer firefighters from Ulster, Sullivan, and Greene counties continue to work toward full containment. "Burn bans are in effect in every municipality in Ulster County, and outdoor burning is prohibited," Ulst…
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds
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, Ramapo HS Baseball Captain Killed In Wildfire Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18, Ramapo HS Baseball Captain Killed In Wildfire
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18, Ramapo HS Baseball Captain Killed In 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…
School Bus Goes Up In Flames In Hudson Valley School Bus Goes Up In Flames In Hudson Valley
School Bus Goes Up In Flames In Hudson Valley A busy road in the region was temporarily closed as crews battled a school bus fire.  The blaze happened on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 7 in Northern Westchester County when the bus caught on fire in Valhalla on Grasslands Road (Route 100), according to the Valhalla Fire Department. Luckily, no students were aboard the bus at the time and no injuries were reported. The blaze was quickly put out and the bus was removed from the road, the department said, adding that the roadway was then reopened to traffic. 
Large Brush Fire Breaks Out At Harriman State Park In Rockland Large Brush Fire Breaks Out At Harriman State Park In Rockland
Large Brush Fire Breaks Out At Harriman State Park In Rockland 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…
Major Brush Fire In Hudson Valley Spreads Smoke For Miles Major Brush Fire In Hudson Valley Spreads Smoke For Miles
Major Brush Fire In Hudson Valley Spreads Smoke For Miles A major brush fire over at least a dozen acres in the Hudson Valley produced smoke that spread across the New York border into Connecticut. The blaze broke out at around 12:05 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 in Putnam County in the area of Route 301 and East Boyds Road in the town of Kent and was finally contained late in the day on Sunday, Oct. 27. While responding, crews observed a large fire on the mountain and immediately requested mutual aid from neighboring departments, according to the Kent Fire Department.  Responding crews located the large brushfire of approximately 5 to 6 acres…
Large Brush Fire Erupts In Hudson Valley Near Country Club Large Brush Fire Erupts In Hudson Valley Near Country Club
Large Brush Fire Erupts In Hudson Valley Near Country Club Several fire and police departments are battling a large brush fire near a country club in the Hudson Valley.  The fire began in Putnam County on Thursday, Oct. 24 around 11:30 a.m. in the area of Golf Ridge Road and China Circle Court near the Sedgewood Club golf course in the town of Kent, the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services announced around 12:45 p.m.  Several departments are now operating at the scene of the fire. A Department of Environmental Protection helicopter is also circling the skies over the blaze providing images from the air, officials said.  M…
Car Fire Extends To Surrounding Woods In Hudson Valley Car Fire Extends To Surrounding Woods In Hudson Valley
Car Fire Extends To Surrounding Woods In Hudson Valley A blaze that consumed a vehicle in the Hudson Valley became even worse after it extended to the surrounding woods. The incident happened in Putnam County on Wednesday, July 10 just after 9:30 p.m., when a car caught on fire in Carmel in the area of Gipsy Trail Road, according to the Lake Carmel Fire Department. Arriving crews soon discovered that the blaze had extended to the surrounding woods. Despite the complication, firefighters were able to quickly put out the flames with help from the Frozen Fun Ice Cream Truck, which helped crews at the scene by providing them with frozen treats.…
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral A decorated veteran and retired firefighter from upstate New York is going viral for his heartbreaking posthumous revelation. Lifelong Rensselaer County resident Col. Edward Thomas Ryan, of Rensselaer, died with a long-kept secret that rendered him “afraid of being ostracized,” he wrote in his own obituary, which was published in the Albany Times Union on Saturday, June 8. "I must tell you one more thing. I was gay all my life: thru grade school, thru high school, thru college, thru life,” Ryan wrote. “I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as gay. I was afraid of being ostraciz…
Blaze Sparks At Northern Westchester Restaurant Blaze Sparks At Northern Westchester Restaurant
Blaze Sparks At Northern Westchester Restaurant A blaze at a Northern Westchester restaurant was stopped from being worse than it could have been thanks to the quick actions of firefighters.  The fire happened on Monday, June 6 just after 2:30 a.m. at Coral Seafood Restaurant in Yorktown Heights at 63 Route 6, according to the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department, which helped respond to the blaze.  Thanks to the work of fire crews, more extensive damage to the building was prevented, the department said.  The cause of the fire was not released. 
Hudson Valley Apartment Fire Injures 2, Leaves 50 Homeless Hudson Valley Apartment Fire Injures 2, Leaves 50 Homeless
Hudson Valley Apartment Fire Injures 2, Leaves 50 Homeless A resident and a firefighter were injured during a fire at a three-story Hudson Valley apartment building. The blaze occurred in Rockland County around 9:30 p.m., Monday, April 22, at the Surrey Carlton Apartments on Ewing Avenue in Spring Valley. According to the Spring Valley Police and Mark Lieb of Rockland Video Productions, officers found a fire with heavy flames and smoke coming from the living room of a top-floor apartment. Police told Lieb that a woman was trapped unconscious inside, suffering from smoke inhalation. Unidentified neighbors brought her downstairs to safety. She was t…
Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze
Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze A city in Westchester is mourning the loss of a beloved firefighter who is being celebrated for his bravery and dedication to his community.  Mount Vernon Firefighter Lamont “Wise” Killian, Jr., died from heart-related issues on Monday, Dec. 11 at the age of 51, city officials announced.  According to the US Fire Administration, Killian had been off-duty since collapsing at the scene of a residential fire on June 22, 2019, when he suffered a heart attack.  Killian's city is now remembering him as someone who was always prepared to help people.  "Your bravery …
Former Fire Chief, Air Force Vet From Northern Westchester Dies Former Fire Chief, Air Force Vet From Northern Westchester Dies
Former Fire Chief, Air Force Vet From Northern Westchester Dies A former fire chief and lifelong Northern Westchester resident who dedicated much of his life to firefighting has died.  Yorktown Heights resident Arthur Orneck, who served as the Chief of the Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department between 1986 and 1987, died on Tuesday, April 4 at the age of 74, according to his obituary.   Born in White Plains in 1948, Orneck lived his entire life in Yorktown Heights and worked as a professional firefighter for the Greenville Fire District in Scarsdale for 20 years before retiring in 2000.  Additionally, he was also a 58-year…
Video: Driver From Rockland, 22, Escapes Burning Jeep Moments Before It Bursts Into Flames Video: Driver From Rockland, 22, Escapes Burning Jeep Moments Before It Bursts Into Flames
Video: Driver From Rockland, 22, Escapes Burning Jeep Moments Before It Bursts Into Flames A 22-year-old motorist from Rockland County avoided a frightful fate after a crash ignited a ferocious fire that quickly engulfed her Jeep. The motorist didn't have much time after her Patriot slammed into a utility pole in Old Tappan on Westwood Avenue between Stone Point Park and Washington Avenue South. "Wires fell to the ground, igniting a leaf pile," Old Tappan Police Chief Joseph J. Tracy said. "The fire worked its way to leaves underneath the vehicle -- which ignited the vehicle itself." Christian Michael provided the videos and photo for this story: It went up quick.Christia…
House Destroyed After Massive Fire Breaks Out In Hudson Valley House Destroyed After Massive Fire Breaks Out In Hudson Valley
House Destroyed After Massive Fire Breaks Out In Hudson Valley Several fire departments battled a Hudson Valley house fire that destroyed the large home while having to bring in water due to the lack of fire hydrants. The fire took place in Dutchess County in Rhinebeck on Kipp Road around 11:30 p.m., Saturday, May 21. According to the Rhinebeck Fire Department, first arriving firefighters from both Hillside and Rhinebeck found the 2,000-square-foot house fully engulfed in flames. Due to the location of the home, several fire tankers "drafted" in thousands of gallons of water from a nearby pond, the Rhinebeck Fire Department said. The fire was pl…
Mother, Son Escape After House Fire Breaks Out In Area Mother, Son Escape After House Fire Breaks Out In Area
Mother, Son Escape After House Fire Breaks Out In Area A mother and a son managed to escape an intense Hudson Valley house fire that was gas-fed. The fire took place around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, at a two-family home located in Putnam County at 2592 Carmel Ave., in Brewster. According to the Brewster Fire Department, first arriving firefighters were given reports of a mother and son still trapped in the fully engulfed home.  Smoke from the gas-fed fire.Brewster Fire Department Firefighters made several attempts to enter the home to search for the trapped residents but were driven back by the intense fire, the department said.  A sho…
Three-Alarm Fire Breaks Out At Apartment Complex In Area Three-Alarm Fire Breaks Out At Apartment Complex In Area
Three-Alarm Fire Breaks Out At Apartment Complex In Area A mother and a newborn were able to escape a roaring three-alarm apartment fire in the area due to a warning from a smoke detector.  The blaze broke out in Ulster County around 12:50 p.m., Monday, Jan. 31, at 109 Rondout Drive in Kingston. When Kingston firefighters arrived on the scene located at the Roundout Gardens Apartments, they found heavy fire coming from a second-floor apartment, extending to the attic, said the Kingston Fire Department. When the fire started, the mother and her newborn were able to escape without injuries due to a smoke detector, the department said. "She was a…
Blaze Breaks Out At Home In Area Blaze Breaks Out At Home In Area
Blaze Breaks Out At Home In Area A fire destroyed the first floor of a home in the Hudson Valley overnight. The blaze broke out in Orange County around 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 31 at the home located on Orchard Street in Port Jervis, said the Port Jervis Fire Department. When firefighters arrived on the scene in under two minutes they found an active fire on the first floor of the home.  Crews from Truck 7 forced entry into the home while Engine 1 and Engine 2 advanced a line to the first floor, officials said. The home.Port Jefferson Fire Department  While crews were making a push and performing searches, numerous propa…
Firefighter, Ex-Marine Found Dead In His Hudson Valley Home, Possible Line Of Duty Death Firefighter, Ex-Marine Found Dead In His Hudson Valley Home, Possible Line Of Duty Death
Firefighter, Ex-Marine Found Dead In His Hudson Valley Home, Possible Line Of Duty Death A Hudson Valley firefighter who served two tours in Afghanistan and earned a Purple Heart was found dead in his home after responding to multiple calls during Tropical Storm Isaias. The Vails Gate Fire Department in Orange County announced that firefighter Alec Tannenbaum, a volunteer firefighter there who worked as a federal firefighter for the United States Military in West Point, was found dead in his home on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The 29-year-old Tannenbaum completed an on-duty shift on Tuesday with the West Point Fire Department before responding to numerous alarms while volunteering in Vail…
VIDEO: Firefighters Battle Propane Tank Blaze At Bergen/Rockland Border VIDEO: Firefighters Battle Propane Tank Blaze At Bergen/Rockland Border
Video: Firefighters Battle Propane Tank Blaze At Bergen/Rockland Border Firefighters battled a Monday afternoon blaze fueled by a propane tank in the rear of a Mahwah home at the New York border. The fire was reported around 3:20 p.m. on Doremus Road in Mahwah just off East Crescent Avenue (which becomes Church Road in NY), barely 500 yards from the Airmont line. Flames spread to the eaves and parts of the interior of the home as firefighters from several companies converged on the scene. The fire then went to three alarms for coverage about 45 minutes later. Assisting township firefighters were, among others, their colleagues from Suffern, Tallman, Ramsey, …
Fire Breaks Out At Popular Area Restaurant Fire Breaks Out At Popular Area Restaurant
Fire Breaks Out At Popular Area Restaurant A fire at a popular area restaurant was quickly extinguished by firefighters. The blaze began in Rockland County around at 9:39 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6, at Bailey's Smokehouse on East Erie Street in Blauvelt, said the Blauvelt Volunteer Fire Company. Firefighters responded to a report of a kitchen/chimney fire at the restaurant but discovered once on the scene that the air conditioning unit on the roof was the source of the fire. Crews from Blauvelt were able to knock down the fire before it could extend to the building itself, the department said on Facebook. They were assisted on the sce…
Multiple Fire Departments Battling Three-Alarm Fire At Yeshiva Under Construction Multiple Fire Departments Battling Three-Alarm Fire At Yeshiva Under Construction
Multiple Fire Departments Battling Three-Alarm Fire At Yeshiva Under Construction Multiple fire departments are battling a three-alarm blaze at a building under construction in Sullivan County that has closed a roadway. The fire, which started in Fallsburg around 7:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, is located at 84 Laurel Park Road, which is currently closed to traffic, said the Fallsburg Police Department. The building, which was fully engulfed in flames, is reportedly a new yeshiva.  This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
Westchester Firefighter Dies Of 9/11-Related Cancer Westchester Firefighter Dies Of 9/11-Related Cancer
Westchester Firefighter Dies Of 9/11-Related Cancer A longtime firefighter in Westchester has died of 9/11-related cancer. "It is with deep regret that the Yonkers Fire Department announces the passing of Firefighter John Peteani," Yonkers FD Deputy Chief of Personnel Daniel P. Flynn said. Peteani, a 19-year veteran of the department, died on Sunday, Nov. 3. He was 57 years old. A line-of-duty funeral will take place at St. John the Baptist Church at 670 Yonkers Avenue on Thursday Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. Peteani was born on Dec. 4, 1961 in the Bronx, New York to Marlene and John Peteani Sr.  He married his wife, Ange…
Ex-Fire Chief From Hudson Valley Dies of 9/11-Related Illness Ex-Fire Chief From Hudson Valley Dies of 9/11-Related Illness
Ex-Fire Chief From Hudson Valley Dies of 9/11-Related Illness The ex-chief of the Pine Bush Fire Department and a former New York City Fire Department firefighter, has died from 9/11 related injuries at the age of 65. Richard “Ricky” John Tanagretta died on Tuesday, Sept. 24, surrounded by his family, said his obituary. Tanagretta worked as an FDNY firefighter for 26 years. He was also an instructor for the New York State and Orange County Fire Academies, mentoring many generations of first responders.   He was a past chief of the Pine Bush Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a member for 27 years, touching the lives of many.  Th…
Firefighter Injured Battling Rockland House Fire Firefighter Injured Battling Rockland House Fire
Firefighter Injured Battling Rockland House Fire A Monsey home was destroyed by fire as firefighters worked in hot, humid conditions to battle the blaze. The fire started around 3 p.m., Tuesday, July 2, at the home on Mapleleaf Road, said the Ramapo Police Department. Multiple fire departments were called to the scene due to the difficult conditions including working in void spaces due to the construction of an addition to the home, officials said. Fire officials said the fire started in a second-floor apartment of the residence.  Two people, inside when the fire started, were able to make it out safely. One firefighter was taken …
Fire Breaks Out In Mail Truck In Orangetown Fire Breaks Out In Mail Truck In Orangetown
Fire Breaks Out In Mail Truck In Orangetown Firefighters were able to save a large box truck full of mail after responding to a fire at the Orangeburg Post Office. The fire took place around 5:39 p.m., Monday, June 10 when a large truck, operated by a private contractor to carry mail, caught fire, said the Orangeburg Volunteer Fire Department. When Orangeburg firefighters arrived on the scene, they found the truck backed into the loading dock with a fully involved engine and passenger compartment fire, the department reported on Facebook. As the fire burned, three firefighters battled the flames, while two others began to off-load t…
Pilot Killed In NYC Chopper Crash Remembered As 'Dedicated, Professional' Ex-Fire Chief In Area Pilot Killed In NYC Chopper Crash Remembered As 'Dedicated, Professional' Ex-Fire Chief In Area
Pilot Killed In NYC Chopper Crash Remembered As 'Dedicated, Professional' Ex-Fire Chief In Area The pilot from the Hudson Valley killed in a helicopter crash-landing on the roof of a Manhattan skyscraper is being remembered for his years of service as a longtime fire chief in the area. McCormack, the only victim in the crash, had taken off from the 34th Street heliport 11 minutes before crashing onto the top of the 750-foot tall building amid rain and fog, setting its roof on fire. Tim McCormack, 58, served on the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department in Dutchess County from 1994 until his death on Monday afternoon, June 10. He was the department's chief for 10 years. He was previously a …