The Shawangunk Ridge forest fire is now 100 percent contained after it scorched more than 2,700 acres in both Ulster and Sullivan counties. Officials continue to look into how it started. Jackson Wang has the story.
SUMMITVILLE, N.Y. -- The massive wildfire that burned for five days in the Shawangunk Ridge State Forest started at 206 Ferguson Road in Summitville, according to Summitville Fire Chief Craig Blakesley.
“It originated right behind the house," Blakesley said. "They had a little burn barrel set up there with a pit and stuff and they lost control of it.”
He said his department were the first ones on scene when it started.
“We tried to subdue the fire, we try to put it out," Blakesley said. "We realize that it was way beyond our capabilities, so we called in mutual aid.”
But, it continued to spread.
Nearly a week later and over 2,700 acres burned, officials said they now have the fire under control.
"They’re going to make sure that there’s no hot spots in there or any little smoldering within that 50 feet, they’re going to make sure is out,” said Jim Hay, of the state's Incident Management Team.
According to county records, the property belongs to Michael Schiliro, of Long Island. He could not be reached for comment Friday.
Meanwhile, the DEC says they are continuing their investigation.
“Our main concern now is that we make sure that we leave this is a safe condition,” Hay said
As for the operation, that will now be transferred over to local forest rangers and fire departments.
“They’ll maintain some of the operations that have been going on and do whatever they think is necessary,” Hay said.
Officials say fire crews will continue to monitor the forest and clearing up any debris that may burn.
“Keep it contained and we have to keep checking on hot spots,” said St. Remy Fire Chief Mike Litts.
“Basically, we’ll cover all complaints. People see hot spots right as soon as they call it in, we go check it out,“ Blakesley said.
Officials want to remind people that a burn ban remains in effect through May 14.