The wildfire that's brought crews from across New York to fight it is now 88% contained, according to the latest update Friday from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Fire lines held Thursday night into Friday, officials said, and any visible fires were part of DEC burnout operations in the fire line. Those burnouts continued Friday.
"There are currently no evacuations in place and no structures at immediate risk," the DEC statement said. "As fire suppression continues, traffic congestion and smoke and particulate matter in the air are anticipated."
State Park Police said almost 300 firefighters across six state agencies, and "dozens of volunteer fire companies" will work on suppressing the fire today. There are also firefighters from Colorado and Montana who have joined the efforts.
While officials said there was very little concern for residential and historical structures, they asked residents to remain vigilant, citing wind gusts that are expected to ramp up overnight and into Saturday.
Dozens of business owners have come together to support the firefighters still tackling the fire and smoke conditions.
Warren Congdon, co-owner of Trails End Taphouse, feels providing hot meals for hundreds of firefighters is the least his team can do.
“Everybody in this community wants to help in some way shape or form…something like this draws us together,” he said.
Greenwood Lake Fire Chief Alex Nichols thanked the nearly 4,000 first responders and volunteers for the support.
“Our volunteers from the local businesses and just the surrounding communities have been pumping out over 1,500 meals a day…feeding the firemen and the support staff and the command staff,” he said.
The state burn ban remains in effect, and State Park Police encourage people to remove leaves and debris from around their houses.
On the New Jersey side, forest fire service officials announced a 90% containment of the Jennings Creek wildfire burning in Passaic County.
The Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning for tomorrow for eastern NY. A reminder that there is a state-wide burn ban in effect through the end of the month #518wx #hvwx pic.twitter.com/NUpIta03Xi
— Ryan Finn (@WeatherManFinn) November 15, 2024