The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers continue to respond to search and rescue incidents, wildfires, and other emergencies across the state. As of July 1, 2025, Forest Rangers have conducted 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires affecting nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated over 1,500 acres of land. In the previous year, rangers responded to more than 360 search and rescue calls, put out over 120 wildfires covering almost 6,500 acres, participated in dozens of prescribed burns rejuvenating more than a thousand acres, and handled cases resulting in more than a thousand 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.”
Recent incidents include several water rescues and wildland fires:
– On August 30 in Lewisboro (Westchester County), off-duty Ranger Lieutenant Gullen responded to an emergency at a lake where a person suffered a back injury after cliff jumping. Lt. Gullen stabilized the injured individual using a paddleboard before swimming them to safety where EMS provided further care.
– In Keene (Essex County), on August 31 into September 4, rangers located and contained a one-acre fire on Bear Den Mountain caused by lightning.
– On September 1 in Arietta (Hamilton County), hikers reported a fire near Whitney Lake; rangers spent the night containing it by September 2.
– A remote campfire incident occurred on Rocky Mountain (Ulster County) on September 3–8; despite initial rain helping efforts overnight, additional resources including aviation support were required before crews eliminated all heat sources.
– In Manlius (Onondaga County), on September 3–4 forest rangers assisted with locating an elderly person with dementia who had gone missing from their backyard; local police bloodhounds and drones were also used before fire department staff found the individual safe.
– In Thurman (Warren County) on September 4 rangers helped contain a brush fire started by a structure fire alongside several local fire departments.
– Salem (Washington County) saw rangers join searches for a missing person starting September 5; unfortunately the subject was later found deceased by search crews led by forest rangers.
Resources for mental health support are available statewide through hotline numbers such as “988” or via the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at “1-800-273-TALK.”
Additionally, another wilderness search took place on Mount Marcy near Keene (Essex County) beginning late on September 7 when two hikers became separated; both individuals were located safely after coordinated ranger response overnight into September 8.
The DEC encourages those interested in becoming Forest Rangers to apply for upcoming civil service exams scheduled this fall. More information is available via the Civil Service website.
Proper preparation is advised before entering backcountry areas; resources are provided through DEC’s Hike Smart NY program as well as Adirondack Backcountry Information and Catskill Backcountry Information pages online. For emergencies involving search/rescue or reporting wildfires/illegal activity on state lands or easements people should call “833-NYS-RANGERS” or dial “911” for urgent assistance. Contact details for specific regional forest rangers can be found via the DEC website.
