With rain in the forecast finally, we can look forward to Mother Nature helping out our overworked firefighters who have been on the front line of many fires over the last few weeks. Most notably the group who has been waging war against the Jennings Creek Fire.

The hard work that has been put in for over a week now is finally paying off. Earlier today the Town Of Warwick sent out a release that stated they can finally begin winding down operations and "reduce the overall footprint within the community".

Jennings Creek Fire Burning Near Greenwood Lake Containment

Around 7 PM Monday, news was released that the fire burning through Sterling Forest and Greenwood Lake for over a week was about 90 percent contained. This morning the news was even better.

Jennings Creek Fire
Village of Greenwood Lake NY via Facebook
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Crew are still out watching hot spots and will be in the woods for a week or so more but things have greatly improved according to a social media post this morning from the Town of Warwick. Even the voluntary evacuations have been lifted.

Evacuations and Travel Restrictions Lifted in Greenwood Lake

Residents of Wah Ta Wah Park have been able to return home as well as Edgemere. East Shore Road is re-opened for non-emergency travel however people are being asked to be very cautious. Tree crews are still removing hazardous trees.

Washingtonville Fire Department
Washingtonville Fire Department via Facebook
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One note of additional caution is the rain that is expected to arrive Wednesday night and into Friday could cause a new set of issues. The dry conditions may make it hard for the water to absorb immediately and runoff could be increased due to the remanence of the fire.

The Town of Warwick Thanks Everyone for Their Help with the Sterling Forest Fire

As officials look back at the Jennings Creek Fire the Town of Warwick called it a true miracle that they didn't lose any structures during the fire. They credit the hard work, skill, and dedication of the local fire departments as well as all the regional partners and New York State Park Service.

I can confidently say the success of this operation would not have been possible without volunteer efforts. From the volunteer fire EMS to civilian volunteers delivering meals to the front lines. I have never before seen so many committed volunteers come together for a unified cause under such extreme circumstances and it has become so clear what makes our community so great – our dedicated volunteers. On behalf of the Town Board and the entire Town of Warwick, we thank you.

The Town of Warwick reminds everyone also that if you have any emergency, please call the Warwick Police Department at 845-986-5000.
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