The state Department of Environmental Conservation says efforts to protect buildings in the Jennings Creek fire were successful again Sunday after winds caused the fire to escape the containment zone earlier in the weekend.
Voluntary evacuations were put in place in order to allow firefighters to work uninterrupted, and work continued Sunday to push it back.
DEC officials say Sunday winds weren't as strong, allowing for burnouts to extend containment and protect houses and homes.
The voluntary evacuation issued for all homes from 32 Edgemere Ave. to Emerald Point, and Wah-ta-Wah Park, were still in effect as of Monday morning; Warwick Supervisor Jesse Dwyer said in an update later Monday morning that "the voluntary evacuation north of 120 Edgemere has been lifted and residents in that area may return home. Residents south of 120 Edgemere are asked to continue avoiding the area so that fire crews can continue executing full structure protection in a safe manner unhindered by vehicular traffic."
The Greenwood Lake Union Free School District is closed today. More guidance is expected from the district later today.
The fire has burned more than 5,300 acres in Orange County — some of that due to planned burnouts, though — and is 88% contained.
National Guard and State Police helicopters conducted a combined 75 bucket drops Sunday, dropping approximately 60,000 gallons of water on the fire area.
The statewide burn ban remains in effect.