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The Greenwood Lake wildfire, which started on November 8th and has since consumed over 5,300 acres of land, is now fully contained. The wildfire, one of the largest in the region, resulted in the tragic death of 18-year-old state parks employee Dariel Vazquez and forced mandatory evacuations in the area. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.
Dariel Vazquez, a Parks and Recreation aide employed by the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, was killed while battling the fire in Greenwood Lake, about 35 miles northwest of New York City. According to the New York State Police, Vazquez was struck by a tree while fighting the fire and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The fire was one of several blazes in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast this weekend amid an ongoing drought, dry air, and high winds. The Jennings Creek Fire, as it was known, threatened about 25 structures, though none were evacuated. The fire was only 10% contained as of Monday, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Vazquez, a recent graduate of Ramapo High School in the East Ramapo Central School District and member of the school's varsity baseball team, was Rockland County's Athlete of the Season in the spring of 2024. His death has deeply affected the community, with many expressing their condolences and remembering him for his dedication and leadership.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her sadness over Vazquez's death and commended his dedication to serving and protecting his fellow New Yorkers. She also urged everyone in the impacted areas to stay alert, monitor air quality, and take necessary precautions to stay safe.