Major progress made in taming Greenwood Lake wildfire
Major progress has been made in tackling the wildfire at the New York/New Jersey after a tough weekend. Officials say the fire near Greenwood Lake is now about 90% contained.
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Major progress has been made in tackling the wildfire at the New York/New Jersey after a tough weekend. Officials say the fire near Greenwood Lake is now about 90% contained.
"These guys and gals get up there and they're looking, they're feeling with their hands for heat and are digging before putting water on it," says Greenwood Lake Mayor Thomas Howley.
Howley says things are looking up when it comes to taming the fire that started during the second weekend of November.
But this weekend, was a much different story.
"On Saturday, we did have a breach of the fire line which caused a voluntary evacuation," Howley explains.
Victor Demelo says his family briefly left their home when the smoke got too bad.
"You just go outside and that's kind of all you smell. We went over to my grandma's house," says Demelo, whose family lives in Warwick.
First responders say things really improved Monday.
But concerns over what's next, still linger for some.
"It has been tense to say the least," says Greenwood Lake resident Jason German.
Classes within the Greenwood Lake Union Free School District are set to resume Tuesday.
The Town of Warwick released an update on the conditions:
"Fire suppression efforts today included holding the containment line and conducting mop-up operations. Crews battled higher wind gusts out of the Northwest along with continued dry weather. New York Air National Guard Chinooks and New York State Police Hueys provided bucket drops on the ridge throughout the day, contributing to the success of maintaining the fire line. The fire is now 90 percent contained, up from 88 percent from this morning’s report.
The voluntary evacuation for Wah-Ta-Wah Park is now over. Some access to vehicles will be limited. If the situation changes, all residents will be informed. The voluntary evacuation remains in effect for 120 Edgemere south to Woods Road.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) Forest Rangers will lead firefighters from state agencies, volunteer fire companies, and Montana on tonight’s suppression efforts.
As the fire becomes saturated from suppression efforts and with heavier rain in the forecast, soil within the burned area will become extremely unstable and erosive. Residents may see burned and decomposing trees fall within the fire area. A combination of mud and burned debris may run off into local waterways causing discoloration.
Our plan for tomorrow, Tuesday the 19th, is to assess overnight activity and plan for the safe reopening of East Shore and Edgemere Ave. We will make that determination in the morning and will communicate to the public any changes.
The fire is now 90% contained thanks to the hard work of so many."
