As of July 1, forest rangers have conducted 139 search and rescue missions in 2025, according to the DEC. They have also extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires. In 2024, rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires and worked cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.

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Rangers respond to AuSable Fire

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A firefighter stands with a chainsaw as smoke can be seen from a wildland fire in the town of AuSable, in Clinton County, on Thursday, July 24. The fire spread to 5.5 acres, but no structures were at risk, according to the DEC. (Provided photo — New York state Department of Environmental Conservation)

AUSABLE — On July 24 at 5:33 p.m., five Forest Rangers and the Keeseville Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire caused by a downed power line at 5:33 p.m. Thursday, July 24. The fire spread to 5.5 acres, but no structures were at risk. It was unclear how long the response took to contain the fire.

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Helicopter evacuation off Mount Haystack

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KEENE — Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a hiker with an unstable ankle injury on Mount Haystack at 12:34 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23. State Police Aviation was approved for the rescue. Forest Ranger Jenna Curcio lowered Forest Ranger Joseph Ordway to tend to the patient. At 2:25 p.m., Ordway harnessed the 25-year-old from New Jersey and Curcio hoisted the pair into the helicopter. State Police Pilot Paul Engel flew the patient to the hospital. The subject’s post-rescue medical status was unclear. Video of the hoist rescue from the DEC is available at tinyurl.com/5bvpnnmb.

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Fainting hiker flown to hospital

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NEWCOMB — Ray Brook Dispatch received an SOS call from Garmin for a hiker with intermittent fainting spells on the Calamity Brook trail at 8:37 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22. Two hikers with the 76-year-old also called for help and said they had been hiking since 6:30 a.m., and the hiker was suffering from dehydration and low blood sugar. At 11:50 p.m., four forest rangers and an Essex County paramedic reached the subject and provided medical care and rehydration. The rescuers stayed with the subject overnight at the Herbert Brook lean-to. At 8:30 a.m., State Police Pilot Paul Engel flew the patient to the hospital. The subject’s post-rescue medical status was unclear. Video of the helicopter rescue from the DEC is available at tinyurl.com/4hj3cny7.

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Marcy Dam knee injury

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NORTH ELBA — The Marcy Dam Caretaker called Ray Brook Dispatch about a hiker with a knee injury approximately a tenth of a mile from the outpost at 8:17 p.m. on July 22. At 9:47 p.m., Forest Ranger Hannah Praczkajlo reached the 71-year-old from Alplaus, provided first aid and helped them back to Adirondak Loj. It’s unclear if the subject sought further medical attention.