New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents throughout New York State. 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.
What follows is a report, prepared by DEC, of recent missions carried out by Forest Rangers.
Cattaraugus County
Town of Ischua
Wildland Fire: On April 24th at 5:30 pm, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department requested Forest Ranger assistance with a brush fire in the town of Ischua. The 0.1-acre fire was put out by the Ischua Fire Department. Ranger Hettenbaugh issued a ticket for leaving a fire unattended and resources were clear at 8 pm.
Dutchess County
Town of Hyde Park
Animal Recovery: On April 21st at 5 pm, Rangers Gullen and Sweeney responded to Norrie Pointe State Park after a call from the park manager than a dog fell into a culvert. With the dog’s owners looking on, Ranger Sweeney helped Ranger Gullen into the culvert where Ranger Gullen eventually found the dog, deceased. Resources were clear at 8 pm.
Greene County
Town of Catskill
Wildland Fire: On April 24th at 2:16 pm, Ranger Dawson responded to a wildfire in the town of Catskill. The fire started in a garage and spread to an adjacent wooded area. With the help of multiple fire departments, Ranger Dawson helped extinguish the flames, containing the fire to one acre. Ranger Dawson declared the fire out at 8:02 p.m.
Ontario County
Town of Naples
Wilderness Rescue: On April 22nd at 4:51 pm, Yates County 911 called for Forest Ranger assistance with a hiker from Holley who claimed she was stranded in Clark Gully. Ranger Dormer responded and called the hiker to assess the situation. The Ranger established a Unified Command with Naples Fire and Ambulance. The first search team made voice contact with the subject, who was located in a feeder stream to Clark Gully. Ontario County High Angle Rope Rescue Team members set up a rope system to help the hiker out of the stream. Once rescued, the subject declined further medical attention. Resources were clear at 8:15 pm.
Town of Canadice
Wilderness Rescue: On April 24th at 2:44 pm, Ontario County 911 contacted Forest Ranger Dormer about two hikers on Rob’s trail, one of whom was reportedly dehydrated and unable to continue. Honeoye Volunteer Fire and Ambulance responded, as well. Ranger Dormer arrived by boat and coordinated rescue personnel from the Hemlock Lake boat launch. EMS members hiked in from Route 15A to help the subjects to the shoreline, where they were met by Ranger Dormer. The Ranger helped to hydrate the subjects. The rescuers returned everyone to the boat launch approximated 2.5 miles away. The subjects refused further medical attention and resources were clear at 4:15 pm.
Orange County
Village of Greenwood Lake
Wildland Fire: On April 22nd at 4:45 pm, Forest Rangers responded to a brush fire likely started by a fire pit in the Greenwood Lake area. Rangers Franceschina and Jahn helped extinguish the six-acre fire and put out hot spots the next day. The fire was declared out on April 23rd at 3:43 pm.
Read past Forest Ranger search and rescue reports here.
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