In the first half of 2025, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers responded to 139 search and rescue incidents across the state. During this period, they also extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres and participated in 56 prescribed fires that helped rejuvenate 1,514 acres of land. In comparison, for the entire year of 2024, Forest Rangers handled 362 search and rescue missions, put out 122 wildfires affecting nearly 6,500 acres, took part in 60 prescribed burns that restored more than 1,155 acres, and were involved in cases leading to over 1,200 tickets and arrests.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said: “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.”
On December 1 in Wassaic hamlet (Dutchess County), Forest Ranger Grillo responded with local fire crews to an unattended fire reported by Dutchess County 911. They found a large brush pile covered with dirt producing significant smoke and flames; it was allegedly left by workers earlier that day. The fire was broken up using an excavator. One ticket was issued for leaving the fire unattended.
From December 4–5 in Fishkill (Dutchess County), Rangers Grillo, Parlier, and Pries provided land navigation training to members of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office emergency services team at DEC’s Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center. The training included linear searches, point-of-interest searches, compass use, and mapping software aimed at improving wilderness search skills.
The DEC advises anyone entering backcountry areas to plan ahead by visiting its Hike Smart NY webpage as well as information pages for Adirondack Backcountry Information and Catskill Backcountry Information.
For those needing assistance from a Forest Ranger—whether for search and rescue operations or reporting wildfires or illegal activities on state lands—the department recommends calling 833-NYS-RANGERS or dialing 911 for urgent help. Contact details for each region’s ranger are available on the DEC website.
