Residents near Greenwood Lake in Warwick, New York, faced evacuation orders on Saturday night as a wildfire breached containment lines, fueled by strong winds. Local officials are taking proactive measures to ensure safety, urging voluntary evacuations for affected neighborhoods and providing resources for those in need.
Evacuation Details
Residents of Edgemere Avenue and Wah Ta Wah Park were asked to evacuate as of Saturday evening:
- Edgemere Avenue:
- Residents north of 42 Edgemere can leave by personal vehicles.
- Those between 32 and 42 Edgemere are being offered transportation assistance.
- Wah Ta Wah Park:
- Homes from 32 Edgemere Avenue to Emerald Point are under evacuation orders.
- Sylvan Park (Rumsey) is not included in the evacuation.
Shelter and Support
- Evacuation Shelter: Greenwood Lake Middle School, located at 1247 Lakes Rd., is open for evacuees. Pets are welcome at the shelter.
- Emergency Assistance:
- Residents requiring help can contact the Warwick Police Department at 845-986-5000 or the Greenwood Lake Police Department.
- Police and EMS units are assisting with evacuations, and the New York State Police Drone Unit is providing aerial support.
Firefighting Efforts
Despite significant progress containing the wildfire, setbacks occurred:
- The fire had been 88% contained on the New York side by Friday, but strong winds caused flames to breach a containment line near Wah Ta Wah Park around 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
- Officials report the fire is 75% contained on the New Jersey side.
Challenges and Priorities
- Wind Threat: Winds continue to pose a risk, with concerns that they could spread the fire further and threaten nearby structures.
- Evacuation for Safety:
- Town of Warwick Supervisor Jesse Dwyer emphasized the importance of evacuation to allow firefighters unimpeded access to neighborhoods.
- “We hope these homes won’t be impacted, but it’s critical to ensure residents’ safety and provide firefighters the space to work,” Dwyer said.
Tragic Loss
The wildfire has claimed the life of an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter, Dariel Vasquez, underscoring the dangers responders face in containing the blaze.
Fire Investigation
The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation, and officials are continuing efforts to fully contain the blaze.
As firefighters work to control the wildfire near Greenwood Lake, safety remains the top priority. Residents are urged to comply with evacuation requests and utilize the resources provided. The shelter at Greenwood Lake Middle School is available for those in need, and officials remain optimistic that containment efforts will prevent further damage.
Stay updated for further developments as authorities work to manage this dangerous situation.
