Recently Rombout Fire Department responded to a wildfire on the mountain in the 2,300-acre Sharp Reservation owned by the Fresh Air Fund. After the initial attack, the scope and size of the blaze quickly escalated, forcing the involvement of 20 fire departments from four counties. Due to the terrain and inaccessibly of the wildfire, more firefighters and ATVs with equipment were needed to get to and battle the blaze.
We would like to recognize the responding fire departments. From Dutchess County: East Fishkill, Glenham, Hughsonville, New Hamburg, New Hackensack, Village of Fishkill and Rhinebeck. Fire departments from Putnam County were North Highlands, Cold Spring, Kent and Garrison. Departments from Ulster County were Clintondale, Shawangunk Valley and Plattekill. Fire departments from Orange County were Coldenham, Cronomer Valley, Orange Lake, Winona Lake and West Point.
The forest rangers from the NYS DEC, the Mobile Life paramedics and the aircrew from the State Police Aviation Bureau also responded.
The responses from these departments helped to quickly contain and control the wildfire. Some departments traveled close to one hour to get to the staging area and then firefighters had to hike one to two miles into mountainous terrain before battling the fire. To all the men and women from those departments, thank you. By your actions you exemplify the finest traditions of the fire service. Thank you from the officers and firefighters of the Rombout Fire Department.
Charles Kuehner Chief Rombout Fire Department Fishkill