Chinook helicopters, 'smoke jumpers' part of aggressive wildfire attack in Greenwood Lake 

Officials say 41% of the wildfire on the border of New York and New Jersey is now contained, but that residents in the Greenwood Lake area will see more smoke and flames in the next 48 hours as part of planned back burns.

Blaise Gomez

Nov 14, 2024, 5:24 PM

Updated 48 min ago

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Two state Chinook helicopters are among an advanced wildfire attack underway in Greenwood Lake Thursday during a significant turning point in the dayslong battle.
Officials say 41% of the wildfire on the border of New York and New Jersey is now contained, but that residents in the Greenwood Lake area will see more smoke and flames in the next 48 hours as part of planned back burns.
“We have two good days and I believe the wind is supposed to start picking up Saturday, so we have to take a real good bite out of this today and tomorrow,” Greenwood Lake Mayor Thomas Howley says.”
District schools are closed during the ongoing firefighting efforts and so are areas roads that butt fire lines. Residents are not being evacuated but officials say those near the wildfire should consider temporarily staying with family or friends since power and heating services are also being cut.
“We have helicopters with 2,000-gallon capacity drops, resources coming in from all over the place. It’s going to be a full-on assault against the fire,” says Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus.
Orange County is bringing in wildfire experts known as “smoke jumpers” on Friday for additional advanced, offensive firefighting operations.
State police and Army National Guard helicopters have been making dozens of drops each day and the aerial activity is expected to continue with the larger helicopters in this new crucial part of the attack.
Officials say the blaze, which still encompasses thousands of acres, is not likely to be contained for another week at least.
Residents, like Diana Clough, say they’re grateful to the first responders keeping the community safe. “My kids are making signs as we speak to thank all the heroes that are helping save Greenwood Lake.”
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