New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers responded to a range of search and rescue incidents and wildfires across the state in recent weeks, according to a summary released by the agency.
As of July 1, DEC Forest Rangers have conducted 139 search and rescue missions this year. They have also extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated over 1,500 acres. In comparison, during all of 2024, Rangers responded to 362 search and rescue incidents, put out 122 wildfires burning nearly 6,500 acres, took part in 60 prescribed fires on more than 1,155 acres, and were involved in cases resulting in over 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.”
Among recent incidents:
In Hamilton County’s Town of Morehouse on September 15, Forest Rangers responded to a fire near Bear Lake in the West Canada Lakes Wilderness. Due to its remote location, a Ranger stayed overnight with hand tools before additional personnel arrived by helicopter. The fire was contained by September 17 and declared out on September 22.
On September 17 in Ontario County’s Town of Canadice, Forest Ranger Dormer assisted local fire departments after a hiker fell on Rob’s Trail. The injured individual was transported using a wheeled litter and then taken by boat across Hemlock Lake to meet an ambulance.
Forest Ranger Jackson joined training exercises with Rensselaer County’s Drone Team on September 18 in Brunswick. The scenario involved drone operators coordinating with ground teams for search operations alongside the Sheriff’s Department and Troy Police.
Several wilderness rescues took place in Essex County. On September 20 in Keene, two inexperienced hikers became lost while bushwhacking Dial Mountain without proper gear or planning. A Ranger located them after dark and provided assistance back to safety.
Also on September 20 in Ulster County’s Town of Denning, an overdue hiker was found after becoming disoriented during a long hike through multiple peaks when his phone died—his only means of navigation.
That same night into early morning on Big Slide Mountain (Keene), another hiker was located after spending the night off-trail; he rejoined rescuers upon seeing their headlamps at dawn.
Other incidents included hikers experiencing hypothermia near Elk Lake (North Hudson), illness during a hike near Marie Louise Pond (Elizabethtown), and various reminders from rangers about being prepared for outdoor excursions—including carrying physical maps and backup chargers since phone batteries can fail.
The DEC urges anyone heading into New York’s backcountry areas to review hiking essentials information available online before setting out.
