DEC Forest Rangers - Week in Review

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.

"From wildfires, to floods, to search and rescue operations, whenever emergencies strike, DEC's Forest Rangers are always the first to jump into action," DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. "I commend our Rangers for their heroic work to keep New Yorkers and our visitors safe in some of the most adverse conditions in the world, and for leading the state's response to emergency situations. Their efforts to inspire the next generation of safe and responsible outdoor enthusiasts are instrumental in DEC's efforts to support the outdoor recreation economy, and I encourage all New Yorkers interested in joining our ranks to visit the DEC website to learn how to become the next New York State Forest Ranger and be part of their historic legacy of protecting New York's forests."

Town of Patterson
Putnam County
Wildland Fire: On Jan. 3 at 2:15 p.m., Forest Ranger Lieutenant Ashida and Ranger Pries responded to a call about a reported fire behind Petersen's Patterson Greenhouses in Patterson. Ranger Pries determined an ember had likely blown from a burn pile at the nursery and started the wildland fire in a swampy area behind the business. Rangers Cowart, Parlier, and Rusher joined the suppression efforts. On Jan. 4 at 3:45 p.m., Rangers had the one-acre fire 50 percent contained. The following morning, the fire was fully contained and put into patrol status. While the business had a burning permit from the town, upon inspecting the burn pile, Rangers found household garbage including a couch, polystyrene, and spray cans. Environmental Conservation Police Officer Franz issued a ticket for unlawful disposal of solid waste.

Patterson wildland fire

Patterson wildland fire

Patterson wildland fire

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC's Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it's for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.