Suffolk County volunteer firefighters came to the aid of Orange County with roughly 20 different fire departments mobilizing to help fight the Jennings Wildfire at Greenwood Lake.
Hundreds of people have been evacuated and a state of emergency continues in Orange County. The fire breached a buffer line created by the firefighters that was intended to keep the fire from a neighborhood. Around 400 residents were asked to evacuate to Greenwood Lake Middle School.
Sadly, an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter, Dariel Vasquez, died after being hit by a tree fighting the fire. Vasquez was also a New York State Parks employee. Governor Kathy Hochul has directed that all state flags fly at half-staff in his honor beginning at sunrise Monday.
Bill Biondi, Commissioner of the Mastic Beach Fire Department, said “We got the call Friday night and by 3 AM Saturday our people were ready to go with multiple other fire departments.”
Rudy Sunderman, Commissioner of Suffolk County Fire and Rescue, said, “Approximately 80 to 100 volunteer firefighters from Suffolk County assisted in the extinguishment in Orange County.”
The firefighters were scheduled to do 12 hours on/12 hours off shifts fighting the fire.
Suffolk County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services (SCFRES) said in a statement, “Suffolk County crews deployed to Orange County have been working tirelessly to protect homeowners impacted by the Jennings Creek Fire. Throughout the night, crews saved 12 homes, and this morning, they continue to provide vital structural support.”
Biondi said, “They started working yesterday at seven o'clock in the morning. We left at 3 AM Saturday and by the time the convoy got up there it was probably about six. They got their assignment and they went to work.”
Fighting the Jennings Wildfire is “nothing like fighting fires down here” Biondi said, “They literally had to climb up mountains. With the hoes, rakes and everything to put the fire out.”
When asked if this kind of mobilization is unusual, Biondi said, “Cooperation where and when it is needed is just what happens between departments. We don’t stop and talk about geographic boundaries. The first concern is fighting the fire.”
Sunderman added, “This is really an unusual event. But, at the same time, here in Suffolk County we look to help neighbors across county lines when we are needed.”
“We went for flooding disasters. We went upstate to several departments over the years for mutual aid. So, this is definitely not the first time. We went up to Webster, NY when they had their problem. And, Webster came down to us when we had our problem. One hand washes the other,” said Biondi.
Officials say that 5,000 acres of land have been affected. Depending on the area, anywhere from 70-90% of the fire is contained. Helicopters from the New York National Guard and New York State Police have dropped approximately 22,000 gallons of water.
Sunderman pointed out that as ready and able as Suffolk County Departments are, they also have to be mindful of having the fire fighting force they need here at home to provide protection while others are deployed to the wildfire.
“We're ensuring that our Suffolk County residents are protected here as well. We have 109 fire departments that can support each other here in Suffolk County. We have to work together to help each other because we would, we would expect the same back if we needed to help.”
SCFRES said, "We are grateful to report no injuries of our team, and our firefighters remain steadfast in their efforts to protect lives and property. We could not be prouder of the volunteer fire departments who stepped up to assist in this critical response.”
“We also extend our gratitude to the departments remaining in Suffolk County, ensuring our communities at home remain safe. Thank you for your dedication and support, see you all home soon!”
Both Biondi and Sunderman emphasized that in these drought conditions, recreational burns are highly, highly discouraged. “Not recommended under any circumstances,” Sunderman says, “It is just too dangerous.”
If someone goes against recommendations and has a fire, they should have an extinguisher immediately nearby and ensure the fire is extinguished before you walk away.
Governor Kathy Hochul has banned open burns until November 30 in light of drought conditions and the danger of rapidly spreading fires.
The Suffolk County Volunteer Fire Departments that answered the call to help Orange County with this wildfire are: Eastport, Greenport, Southampton, Easthampton, Central Islip, West Islip, Manorville, North Babylon, Dix Hills, Huntington, Amagansett, Mattituck, Orient, Mastic Beach, Sound Beach, East Marion.