Ranger perishes in Orange County brush fire as dangerous wildfires continue to wreak havoc on tri-state region

A forest ranger tragically lost his life while battling a brush fire along the New York-New Jersey border on Saturday night. The wildfires in the tri-state region have been causing poor air quality due to a historic drought.

The ranger was killed when a tree fell on him during the response to a 2,000-acre forest fire near the Greenwood Lake Turnpike in Orange County. The Eastern Dutchess County Fire and Rescue shared the news on Facebook.

Orange County Emergency Services expressed their condolences for the loss of the dedicated ranger during the Greenwood Lake brush fire response, sending thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and colleagues.

The identity of the ranger has not been disclosed.

As firefighters continue to battle severe brush fires in New Jersey and the Hudson Valley, red flag warnings are in effect due to the dry and windy conditions posing an extreme fire risk.

An air quality alert has been issued for New York City, the Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey due to the smoke in the air.

Multiple wildfires have been reported in the tri-state area, with additional outbreaks occurring in various locations. Mayor Eric Adams announced a ban on grilling in city parks to prevent brush fires.

New York City, along with New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is under a drought watch. The lack of rainfall has contributed to the dry conditions and increased wildfire risks.

The region is in need of significant rainfall to help alleviate the wildfire conditions. Parts of New Jersey have not seen measurable rain in over 40 days, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The National Weather Service forecasts up to a quarter inch of rainfall on Sunday night, but it may not be enough to fully extinguish the fires.