Tree Strike Claims Life Of Young Forest Ranger On The Jennings Creek Fire On The NY\NJ Border.
Two other wildland firefighters were struck by a tree in Rhode Island.
As fires continue to burn across much of the Northeast of the United States, tragic news came out of the Jennings Creek Fire near Greenwood Lake yesterday. A tree strike occurred during daytime operations, and the tree hit an 18-year-old Park Service volunteer.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the 18 year old volunteer with the Park Service who lost his life battling the fire today.
Town of Warrick NY
CPR was initiated on scene, and the ranger was airlifted to a local hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.
Line of duty death: It is with deep regret that the Greenwood Lake Fire Department announced the line of duty death of a forest ranger, which occurred this afternoon while at the brush fire when a tree fell on him, killing him.
Rip brother, your shift is over—job well done.
Eastern Dutchess County Fire and Rescue
The Jennings Fire has burned 2,000 acres in New York and New Jersey and is 0% contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation. A press conference for the fire is scheduled for 3 PM local time today.
Orange County Emergency Services wishes to extend our condolences as we mourn the passing of a dedicated service member we lost today during the Greenwood Lake brush fire response.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues of this brave individual.
- Orange County Emergency Services
This tragedy comes just one day after a tree strike on a wildfire in Mansfield, Rhode Island, injured two other firefighters.
It’s reported that a large branch fell from 35 feet above, hitting both individuals. One of those firefighters sustained major facial fractures and was transported to Boston Medical Center for treatment. The other sustained a shoulder injury and was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton.
The cause of that fire is under investigation.
Arson charges have been filed in at least one fire in the Northeast after investigators found the Jackson Township Fire in New Jersey was started by a Dragons Breath 12 gauge shotgun round. The use of this type of ammunition is prohibited in New Jersey. An individual turned themselves into Jackson Township Police Headquarters, where they are pending a detention hearing.
The northeast is currently seeing a record dry spell, with states receiving no measurable rain in over a month. Some precipitation is expected today; however, Red Flag conditions continue across much of the Region.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the departments, friends, and family of the firefighter who was working to protect their community.
This has been one of the busiest fall fire seasons in the Northeast and could continue deep into November.
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So very sorry for this loss. Huge condolences to friends, family, and the wildfire community on their tragic loss.
If this fire was arson, then the firefighter was murdered and the culprit should be caught and charged with both arson and murder.
The lack of rain all over the country is crazy. Has this happened before? What's going on?
Very sad. This is why it is so important to instilll the importance and gravity of s212 to folks who are new to Wildland chainsaws even as dry and monotonous as the classroom portion can seem. Much love to my brothers and sisters out there, my thoughts and prayers are with you as well!