Dozens of acres of woodland are burning in Rockland County as a set of brush fires zigzag their way through a state park, torching trees in their path and sending thick smoke and flames into the sky.
More than 150 firefighters began battling the brush fires in Clausland Mountain State Park in Orangeburg Thursday afternoon. The flames spread quickly with the windy and dry conditions, and were consuming about 50 acres of land by nighttime.
“It’s blowing it all over. It just took off, the wind blew it right up the mountain,” said Orangeburg Fire Chief Cornelius Lynady.
The firefighters had to halt their efforts when the rugged mountain terrain became too steep and the nighttime hours became dangerously dark. They’re expected to resume their work Friday morning, and helicopter units will join in to douse the flames with water.
The flames are not threatening the roughly 100 homes located on perimeter roads, according to officials, though if residents see the fire getting close, are urged to call 911.