Crews continue to fight Jennings Creek wildfire

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- It’s been a long week for crews as they continue to fight the Jennings Creek wildfire located primarily in Sterling Forest State Park. The New York Air National Guard has been conducting bucket drops to help suppress the flames.

"Realistically, Mother Nature is the one who is going to put this fire out," explained Forrest Ranger Major, Bob Rogers.

The fire has burned over 5,000 acres. According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, it is 88% contained and is boxed in by fire lines.

"We are cleaning, we’re digging, we are extinguishing hot spots as we go, but what we really need here is a large quantity of rain," said Rogers. "Not huge downpour all at once, but a nice continuous rain or a good heavy snow. So, folks are going to be seeing smoke in this area for weeks to come, more than likely."

While smoke will be visible, the DEC said it doesn’t necessarily mean anyone is in danger.

"The stuff on the inside, we are going to let it burn. People are going to see smoke, but in most cases it’s so far interior to our control lines it’s not a threat for escape at that point."

Multiple state agencies, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, volunteers, and even a crew from Montana have been helping with suppression efforts. Josh Birdrattler is a Montana firefighter who came to help.

"Well, the guys— we’ve been kinda comparing it to like a grass fire that we have back home. You add the wind factor, you’re gonna get a lot fire activity with the wind. Kind of the same here with the leaf litter. That’s how we are applying our tactics from back home to here," said Birdrattler.

Voluntary evacuations have made it easier for firefighters to do their job.

"It was out of an abundance of caution for them, but it actually really made our lives a little easier trying to get apparatus and people in and out," said Rogers.

Unfortunately, the fire claimed a life last week.

Governor Hochul has directed flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, a New York State Parks and Recreation aide who was fatally injured.

"Anytime there is a fatality on a fire, it’s a very sad moment," said Rogers. "Our hearts go out to the Vasquez family."