Ranger dies in fire in Orange County as dangerous wildfire wreaks havoc on tri-state area

A forest ranger died Saturday night battling a bushfire on the New York-New Jersey border — as dangerous wildfires continue to worsen air quality in the tri-state area amid a historic drought.

Firefighters responded to a 2,000-acre wildfire near Greenwood Lake Turnpike along the state line in Orange County when a tree fell on a ranger, killing him, Eastern Dutchess County Fire and Rescue. Wrote in a Facebook post.

“Orange County Emergency Services would like to express our condolences as we mourn the passing of a dedicated service member we lost today during the Greenwood Lake brush fire response,” the agency said on Facebook.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to this brave man’s family, friends and colleagues.”

The identity of the ranger was not revealed.

Ranger tragically dies as firefighters continue efforts fight severe brush fires Throughout New Jersey and the Hudson Valley, there is a high risk of fire due to the area’s dry and windy conditions.

An air quality warning was issued for northern New Jersey as well as New York City and the Hudson Valley as of 12:15 a.m. Monday, as smoke continued to spread into the sky.

According to the National Weather Service, a red flag warning will be in effect from the Garden State to the Big Apple and southern Connecticut until 6 p.m. Sunday.

Firefighters across the tri-state responded to at least six wildfires Saturday, NBC reportedAt least four more attacks occurred Friday in central and western parts of New Jersey from the Pinelands to the city’s suburbs.

Mayor Eric Adams announced a ban on grilling in all city parks on Saturday two acres of hellfire A fire broke out in a densely wooded area of ​​Brooklyn’s Prospect Park on Friday night.

“Effective immediately, we are banning grilling in our parks, and we require all New Yorkers to take the usual steps to prevent brush fires,” Adams said in a news release.

New York City was also included in drought monitoring Last week, after the driest October in recorded history, less than an inch of rain fell in the Big Apple, compared to the historical average of about 4 inches.

Drought is also being monitored in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the smoke is expected to remain present until heavy rainfall occurs as parts of the Garden State have not received measurable rainfall in more than 40 days.

The National Weather Service said the area could see up to a quarter-inch of rain Sunday night — though that is unlikely to make fire conditions worse.