Community rallies as Jennings Creek wildfire rages on

NEW YORK (PIX11) — As the Jennings Creek wildfire continues to threaten communities near Greenwood Lake, local residents are stepping up to support firefighters and evacuees affected by the ongoing crisis.

PIX11's Cory McGinnis reports on the remarkable community spirit shining through in these challenging times.

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The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming. "This is all donated from people in the community, and surrounding community," explains a local organizer, gesturing to a collection of supplies.

Christine Persico, a resident of Monroe, has been dropping off energy drinks at a community center to help those affected by the fire. She expressed her deep concern for the first responders and evacuees, saying, "I felt like I was having a panic attack because I worry about the lives of the first responders and some of the people that got evacuated and it's hard."

The situation has been emotionally challenging for Persico, even though she's not directly in the affected area. "It was tough, and I'm not there, so I can't imagine what everybody is going through," she shared.

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The wildfire, which breached a containment line in Warwick, has led to voluntary evacuation orders for residents in the area. An evacuation site has been set up at Greenwood Lakes Middle School to accommodate those displaced by the fire.

Other residents in the area have expressed their concerns about the ongoing situation. One resident noted, "Overtime, breathing all the smoke in it definitely takes a toll on you." Another added, "Supposedly, they have this under control, but how much control I don't know."

Firefighting efforts are in full swing, with the National Guard loading water tanks and conducting drops throughout the area.

Bob Rogers, a Ranger for the NYS Forest Rangers, explained their strategy: "In this case, we're burning off pre-existing control lines, so the large smoke that you see is actually stuff we're putting on the ground."

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Mayor Tom Howley of Greenwood Lake emphasized the community's resilience, stating, "That's what we do, we're small, we're tight-knit and we'll get through this."

Community organizers are ensuring that firefighters are well-supplied. "You have snacks, high protein bars, stuff that's high in carbs to keep the fuel up for the firefighters," one organizer explained.

As the crisis continues, residents like Persico are doing what they can to support the efforts and provide comfort to those affected. "This is going to be something that the community is going to remember for a long time," says Persico.