In the first half of 2025, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers responded to 139 search and rescue operations, extinguished 82 wildfires that affected nearly 705 acres, and conducted 56 prescribed burns rejuvenating 1,514 acres. In 2024, Rangers completed 362 search and rescue missions, put out 122 wildfires over almost 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that restored more than 1,155 acres, and issued over 1,200 tickets and arrests.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated, “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, Rangers are always ready when emergencies strike. 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.”
Recent incidents included a wildland fire in the Town of Croghan, Lewis County, on October 5. Four Forest Rangers, along with local fire departments and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department, responded to a fire burning nearly 23 acres of leaf litter. Firefighters contained the blaze by the following day, and Rangers continued to monitor for hot spots.
In Manhattan, Forest Ranger Scott and Smokey Bear joined the Ad Council’s Advertising Week Icon Walk on October 6 to promote fire safety awareness.
On October 10, Forest Rangers assisted an injured hiker on Thomas Mountain in the Town of Bolton, Warren County. Eleven Rangers used medical equipment and ropes to evacuate a 73-year-old woman with a knee condition. That same evening, in the Town of Blenheim, Schoharie County, Ranger Welch helped locate an 83-year-old with dementia who had gone missing; the subject was found safe after seeking help from a neighbor.
Public outreach activities included participation by Rangers Kocher and Schweider at the Highland Lake Fire Department’s Community Day in Sullivan County, where they demonstrated firefighting equipment, and by Ranger Jackson at Taconic State Park’s Autumn in the Park event in Columbia County, where fire safety was promoted alongside Smokey Bear and Sparky.
Wilderness rescues continued across the state. On October 11, Rangers assisted two hikers suffering from exhaustion in St. Lawrence County, helped a hiker with low blood sugar at Kaaterskill Falls in Greene County, and aided a dehydrated hiker near Marcy Dam in Essex County. Additional rescues took place on October 12 in Essex, Hamilton, Greene, and Herkimer counties, including the search for an overdue hunter and the evacuation of hikers with injuries or medical emergencies.
The DEC advises hikers to be prepared by bringing enough food and water and to consult the Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for safety tips. Those needing assistance from Forest Rangers should call 833-NYS-RANGERS or 911 for urgent emergencies. Contact information for regional Rangers is available on the DEC website.
