Excitement surrounding incoming rain mixed with concerns over wildfire debris
Concerns are mounting over what some officials are calling a 'weather whiplash.' The Hudson Valley is bracing for some much-needed rain. However officials say, the remnants of the recent wildfire around Greenwood Lake could create a tricky situation.
More Stories
Concerns are mounting over what some officials are calling a 'weather whiplash."
The Hudson Valley is bracing for some much-needed rain. However officials say, the remnants of the recent wildfire around Greenwood Lake could create a tricky situation.
Greenwood Lake residents like Maureen VanHouten are breathing a sigh of relief after a very stressful week and a half.
"This is the first day I feel like we're OK, we're almost back to normal," says VanHouten.
She lives right across from where the wildfire burned through many acres. It's now mainly contained and some rain is on the way.
"We really haven't had any rain in like eight or nine weeks," says Greenwood Lake Mayor Thomas Howley.
With the excitement for the moisture, comes some concerns from emergency officials.
They're worried about the rain mixing with debris from the wildfire. They tell News 12 that debris could get carried downhill in the mountainous areas where the wildfire burned.
The mayor says they spent the day getting prepared for that and they're ready.
They will have officials monitoring the situation.
"I think we can handle the runoff. I rather the rain than the fire," VanHouten tells News 12.
As for the wildfire, the supervisor for the town of Warwick posted this update Wednesday evening:
"Today was the first day we all can take a slight sigh of relief. Although there is still an active fire within the park, we are confident it is not only contained, but fully manageable and will be extinguished soon enough. Tomorrow's weather will give us even more confidence as this situation gets wrapped up.
I wanted to take a moment to share and recognize the more than 200 Fire, EMS, law enforcement and state agencies from across 20 counties that provided fire suppression and public safety measures during the Jennings Creek / Sterling Forest Wildfire. I plan on personally sending certificates of recognition on behalf of the Town of Warwick to each and every one of these agencies and I encourage the public to consider sending letters of appreciation. MOST of these agencies are volunteer and even if they are paid agencies, they each put their lives on the line to assist our community. We are forever grateful for their support."
