Chesterfield fire (Provided photo — NYSDEC)

ALBANY — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.

“DEC’s Forest Rangers bravely protect State-owned and managed lands, as well as the people who use them. Whether conducting a search and rescue call or responding to a wildfire burning out of control, Rangers are always ready when emergencies strike,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Every day and in all conditions, Forest Rangers demonstrate their expertise and leadership in protecting the public and State lands, serving as role models for the next generation of environmental stewards. DEC encourages interested New Yorkers to visit DEC’s website to learn how to become the next New York State Forest Ranger.”

Town of Elizabethtown

Essex County

Elizabethtown fire (Provided photo — NYSDEC)

Wildland Fire: On July 8 at 2:50 p.m., while on patrol of Split Rock Falls in Hammond Pond Wild Forest, Forest Ranger Black discovered an unattended campfire that escaped a rock ring and was burning the pine duff. Three Rangers quickly put out the fire.

DEC reminds those camping this summer of these fire safety tips:

¯ Never leave a campfire unattended. Always keep water and hand tools nearby to control the fire, if necessary. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly.

¯ Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.

¯ Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again. If you do not have water, use dirt. Do not bury your coals as they can smolder and break out.

Town of North Elba

Essex County

Wilderness Rescue: On July 8 at 6:40 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Garmin about an SOS from a 13-year-old hiking with a camp group who suffered an upper leg injury on Indian Pass near Wallface Mountain. At 8:15 p.m., a New York State Police helicopter inserted Forest Rangers Curcio and Quinn to the location. Rangers splinted the hiker’s injured leg and harnessed the teenager from Virginia for a successful hoist. At 8:35 p.m., the NYSP helicopter flew the patient to the hospital.

Town of Hunter

Greene County

Wilderness Rescue: On July 10 at 8:50 a.m., Greene County 911 called Forest Ranger Fox about a hiker at the midpool of Kaaterskill Falls who suffered a head injury and may have lost consciousness. At 10:20 a.m., Assistant Forest Ranger Massa reached the subject and began a medical assessment. Ten minutes later, a Greene County Paramedic and Catskill EMS took over patient care. Rangers, Paramedics, and Bastion Falls and Palenville Fire Departments walked the 68-year-old from New Hampshire to an awaiting Catskill ambulance. Resources were clear at 12 p.m.

Village of Fort Ann

Washington County

Wilderness Rescue: On July 10 at 11:50 a.m., Washington County 911 requested Forest Ranger assistance with a dehydrated hiker near the summit of Buck Mountain. Rangers Carabetta and Clute reached the 31-year-old by 12:30 p.m., rehydrated the subject, and assisted them back to the trailhead where Fort Ann EMS evaluated the patient.

DEC encourages hikers to bring plenty of food and water for their hike in case the hike lasts longer than expected. Proper preparation for a hike can reduce the risk of dehydration.

Town of Denning

Ulster County

Wilderness Rescue: On July 12 at 3:15 p.m., while finishing patrol at the Peekamoose Blue Hole, Ranger Franceschina received a call from Ray Brook Dispatch regarding a 10-year-old from Flushing who was experiencing a medical issue. Ranger Franceschina observed normal breathing, but a weak pulse. Ranger Franceschina provided water and electrolytes and called for EMS. At 4:05 p.m., a Sullivan County Paramedic and Neversink EMS arrived and transported the patient to the hospital.

Town of Chesterfield

Essex County

Wildland Fire: On July 12, Ray Brook Dispatch received a request from local fire departments for Forest Ranger assistance with a wildland fire believed to be caused by lightning. Ranger Black shared a unified command with the Keeseville Fire Department. They assigned crews from six fire departments, Keeseville EMS, and seven Rangers to control the fire. Crews worked overnight and into the next day, containing the two-acre fire by the evening of July 13.

Town of Persia

Cattaraugus County

Flood Assistance: On July 13 at 9:30 p.m., while patrolling Zoar Valley Unique Area, Forest Ranger Sprague witnessed Cattaraugus Creek rise nearly three feet in a matter of minutes. Noting all the vehicles parked on the property, Ranger Skudlarek and Sprague searched the banks of the creek for anyone stuck on the opposite side. Rangers found four adults who swam across the creek and treated them for cuts and bruises. The adults lost personal items, including car keys, in the flood. Rangers assisted in making phone calls to get spare keys brought to the trailhead.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region: http://on.ny.gov/NYSForestRangerRoster.