Authorities announced that the wildfire burning across Rensselaer County, New York, and Berkshire County, Massachusetts, is now fully contained. The fire, first reported Sunday morning when it covered roughly 1.5 acres, expanded to about 251 acres before crews were able to bring it under control.
Coordinated response from two states
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) detailed the joint effort that suppressed the blaze. Forest Rangers from the DEC, wildland firefighters from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and roughly 15 fire departments from both New York and Massachusetts worked side‑by‑side on the ground.
In addition to ground crews, a Massachusetts National Guard Blackhawk helicopter dropped 11,250 gallons of water on the fire on Tuesday, helping to slow its spread on the steep terrain of the Taconic Crest Trail.
Continued vigilance
DEC officials said forest rangers will maintain suppression activities through the night to ensure the fire does not reignite. Residents in the nearby towns have been asked to avoid the area while crews finish mop‑up operations and assess any lingering hotspots.
Local officials praised the swift, cross‑border cooperation that prevented the fire from growing larger. “The collaboration between New York and Massachusetts responders exemplifies the dedication of our public‑safety teams to protect our communities and natural resources,” a DEC spokesperson said.
Impact on recreation
The Taconic Crest Trail, a popular hiking route, remains closed until the DEC confirms the area is safe for public use. Hikers are encouraged to check the DEC website or local park offices for updates before planning trips in the region.
While no injuries have been reported, the incident underscores the importance of preparedness during the dry season. The DEC continues to monitor fire risk across the state and urges residents to practice fire‑safe habits, especially when camping or using outdoor equipment.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
