72 dozen eggs and 60 pounds of bacon: Greenwood Lake community contributes to fight against 5,000-acre wildfire

News about the fire has affected Planet Pizza owner Jamris Guerra, especially when he heard about the death of a young State Parks worker, Dariel Vasquez, who was helping fight the fire Saturday when a tree fell on him.

Ben Nandy

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Nov 12, 2024, 10:33 PM

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Updated 20 days ago

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First responders working the wildfire at Greenwood Lake said they are amazed by the immediate support they have received from the community.

News about the fire has affected Planet Pizza owner Jamris Guerra, especially when he heard about the death of a young State Parks worker, Dariel Vasquez, who was helping fight the fire Saturday when a tree fell on him.

"I heard about the young kid dying over there," Guerra said, "and I felt so bad."

Guerra was not going to wait to be asked for help. He was getting together another 10 pizzas to send over to Greenwood Lake Fire Department Tuesday just to start the day.

"I gotta go talk to the guys over there. I gotta go ask them what time they want it, and I bring [it]," he said. "Everyone's doing a great job. I'm so happy because everybody here is like a family and working together."

Village residents have gotten involved, too.

Jessica Kolesar felt like the she needed to contribute somehow, arriving Monday morning at the fire department with donuts and coffee for firefighters.

Her brother-in-law is a firefighter, and she has heard about what they are going through on the mountain.

"They've been out there so long," Kolesar said. "Everybody's been there such a long time and they're tired. They're worn down. They're just doing this out of the goodness their hearts. So refuel, keep them going."

Greenwood Lake village leaders called on the community to help with breakfast Tuesday morning. They came up with 72 dozen eggs and 60 pounds of bacon to feed 400 first responders.

Firefighters said Tuesday they might welcome more help covering meals Wednesday.

Village leaders said that donations of sports drinks, water and snacks are no longer necessary.

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