Firefighter Killed Battling New York Wildfire Was Just 18 Years Old

Dariel Vasquez, an 18-year-old Parks and Recreation Aid employed by the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, was killed while battling a forest fire in Sterling Forest, located in Greenwood Lake, according to the the New York State Police, who are are investigating the tragedy.

"Sadly an out of area responder lost his life today battling the fire," the Town of Warwick Police Department said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his agency as they deal with this tragic loss."

The department reports that firefighters have made some progress toward controlling the spread of the fire.

As of the last update from the Town of Warwick, there continues to be no immediate risk of life or property. Officials said smoke appears to be the biggest concern at the moment on the New York side of the wildfire.

The Red Cross will be staging the Warwick Village Teen Center on Waterstone Road. Residents in the area who have respiratory issues are being asked to consider leaving their homes to go there.

Officials are limiting travel on East Shore Road to local traffic only, because firefighters will need as much space as possible in the roadways to deal with the fire. Those who live in the area can still travel freely in and out of the area.