Albany, NY — Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that 11 of New York’s top wildland firefighters are heading to Colorado to assist with wildfire containment as flames continue to ravage parts of the state.
“New Yorkers are always ready to volunteer when other states need our help,” Hochul said. “I thank all the responders and look forward to their safe return.”
Fighting Fires on Two Fronts
The deployment includes:
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6 DEC Forest Rangers
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4 Lands and Forests staff
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All assigned to the Pagosa Ranger District in San Juan National Forest, where crews are preparing for initial attack efforts amid high fire danger and forecasted lightning.
One additional ranger will support crews battling the South Rim Fire in Gunnison National Park, which has scorched over 3,600 acres and remains fully uncontained.
Among the Nation’s Best
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton praised the team as “some of the most highly trained wildland firefighters in the country,” highlighting their expertise in both fire suppression and incident command.
“Our expert Lands and Forest staff will support efforts to contain these raging wildfires to ensure safe operations for the response crews and the people of Colorado,” Lefton said.
Long-Standing Mutual Aid Tradition
New York has been assisting in western wildfires since 1979, thanks to interstate and international mutual aid compacts. All costs related to personnel and travel are covered or reimbursed by the U.S. Forest Service.
This cross-state cooperation not only aids disaster-stricken communities, but also builds New York’s own wildfire response strength, equipping teams with real-world experience.
Health and Air Quality Concerns
Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, stressed the public health risks of wildfire smoke, especially for:
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Seniors
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Children
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Pregnant people
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Those with heart or lung conditions
New York itself is facing air quality issues as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts south. When AQI levels exceed 100, both the DEC and Department of Health issue advisories to protect vulnerable populations.
“Wildfire smoke is particularly concerning for those most vulnerable to negative health impacts,” McDonald said.
As these skilled firefighters assist Colorado communities, they also return with enhanced skills and readiness—ensuring New York is better prepared for future wildfires at home.
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