Wildfires in the Palisades Region

In the last week several brush fires and wild fires have broken out throughout the NY Metropolitan area and lower Hudson Valley. In the Palisades region alone, we’ve seen more than 5,000 acres burn – an area roughly ⅓ the size of Manhattan.

These fires come on the heels of the driest October on record. This historic drought continues with minimal rain and high winds forecast for the coming days. While fires in our parks are not uncommon during the dry season, the quantity and severity of the fires we’re seeing feels unprecedented. These worst-case conditions have contributed to an extreme fire, named the Jennings Creek Wildfire, currently burning in Sterling Forest State Park. The intensity of the Jennings Creek Wildfire continues to require a massive response from multiple states, agencies, fire departments, and the National Guard.

Please Donate to Support Fire Response

The Conservancy is collecting tax-deductible donations to support fire fighters responding to the Jennings Creek Wildfire and recovery efforts throughout our region. We will coordinate with responders and park staff to ensure funds go where they’re needed most - whether directly to fire crews or to park recovery after the fires burn out.

Donate to Support Your Parks

Remembering

Dariel Vasquez

Amid fire fighting efforts over the weekend, an 18 year old New York State Parks employee named Dariel Vasquez was tragically killed when he was struck by a falling tree. The Conservancy joins our state partners in mourning this tragedy. Please consider supporting Dariel’s family as they endure this devastating loss.

Fires In Multiple Parks

Palisades Interstate Park (Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey): a 40-acre brush fire burned along the cliffs of the NJ Palisades Cliffs, sending dramatic smoke billowing over New York City. That fire began Thursday 11/7 and was fully extinguished by rain Sunday 11/10. The Palisades Interstate Park will reopen this week.
Bear Mountain State Park (New York): A small brush fire burned inside Bear Mountain State Park. It was contained by DEC crews and extinguished by rain on Sunday 11/10. Bear Mountain State Park is open.
Sterling Forest State Park (Orange County NY/ Passaic County NJ): 5,000 have burned straddling the NJ/NJ state line, the fire is currently only 10% contained. Sterling Forest State Park is closed.

The Jennings Creek Wildfire (Sterling Forest State Park)

As of 2pm on 11/12, the Jennings Creek Wildfire has burned an estimated 5,000 acres along the New Jersey-New York border in Passaic and Orange counties. On the NY side, the fire is burning in Sterling Forest State Park, a large swath of natural forest southwest of Harriman State Park.

The massive fire fighting efforts are being led by the NY’s DEC, NJ’s DEP and Forest Fire Service, with local town and volunteer fire crews, park rangers and staff, and assistance from the National Guard.

Use Fire Caution and Conserve Water

Please show your solidarity to fire crews by following guidance from local authorities:

Adhere to stringent burn and fire bans (no grilling, ground fires, safe cigarette disposal), especially in areas with Red Flag warnings
Conserve water in your homes, lawns, and businesses
Monitor local air quality and smoke conditions, and take necessary precautions to protect your health

Support Your Parks

The Palisades Parks Conservancy supports improvements and programs across our region’s Parks and Historic Sites. We need your help to make sure events and programs get the funding they need. Help us continue this work with a donation!

Donate to Support Your Parks

We depend on individuals, as well as public funds, for financial support to fulfill our mission. Your donations enable the conservation and protection of open space and wildlife habitats, and increase programs and services for millions of visitors every year. The Palisades Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization EIN: 13-4138370.