Firefighter Killed Battling Blaze Along NJ-NY Border: Officials
Crime & Safety
Firefighter Killed Battling Blaze Along NJ-NY Border: Officials A forest ranger died Saturday while battling a 2,000-acre wildfire burning across the New Jersey and New York border, officials said.HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A forest ranger was killed Saturday in a wild fire burning along the New Jersey and New York border, officials said.
The fire is burning near Greenwood Lake Turnpike and East Shore Road in West Milford, N.J. in Passaic County and across state lines in Orange County, N.Y. None of the fire has been contained as of Saturday about 7:30 p.m.
Officials said the ranger's death happened in the Hudson Valley area along Shore Road in Greenwood Lake.
A tree fell on the ranger, killing him, Eastern Dutchess County Fire and Rescue wrote in a Facebook post .
Firefighters continue to battle the 2,000-acre blaze Saturday night in the two states, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Two homes, as well as eight structures in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, are threatened by the fire, according to fire officials.
Fire engines and ground crews are at the scene. Earlier Saturday, two helicopters capable of dropping 350 gallons of water also responded to the fire, the agency said.
CPR was performed on the ranger, who was airlifted to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the Mid Hudson News reported .
"Our heartfelt condolences to our comrade and his family. We find solace in the profound impact of their service," the Plattekill Fire Department wrote in a Facebook post. "Your selfless dedication will forever inspire us. Your legacy will live on, illuminating the path for others."
Also in West Milford, East Shore road is closed from Awosting Road to Greenwood Lake Turnpike, fire officials said. Beech Road is also closed in the area.
All trails in Long Pond Ironworks State Park and Tranquility Ridge are also closed.
The fire's cause is under investigation.
