Lane Closure: Car On I-84 Causes 4 Fires In Upstate New York

We learned the very odd reason why police had to close part of I-84 in the Hudson Valley.

In its latest "DEC Forest Rangers - Week in Review" which highlights recent statewide forest ranger actions, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the cause of fire in a wooded area behind Interstate 84 in Dutchess County

Brush Fires Close Part Of I-84 In Dutchess County

Is It Your Hometown? Beautiful, Picturesque Upstate New York Hometown Worst To Live

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Wildland Fire: Town of East Fishkill, Dutchess County, New York

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All four fires were extinguished around 4 p.m. Interstate 84 in Dutchess County was fully reopened around the same time.

Turkey Gravy May Cause Fatal Reaction, Should New Yorkers Worry

According to the New York State DEC, last year, Forest Rangers conducted 359 search and rescue missions, extinguished 162 wildfires covering more than 1,300 acres, participated in 53 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate nearly 900 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.

Do you live in one of New York's "dumbest" hometowns? Check out the list below.

The Top 10 Dumbest Cities in New York State

According to Road Snacks, New York isn't just one of the dumbest states in the nation - they claim to have found the top 10 dumbest cities in the Empire State.

As for what determines a "dumb" city, Road Snacks compared 163 cities with 5,000 or more residents, to find those with the largest population of those who never finished high school. The survey used Census data and "scientific stuff" from other "legitimate" sources to find the 10 areas with the highest concentration of high school dropouts.

Road Snacks argues that not finishing high school puts one at a significant disadvantage in life. The study adds that the areas with the highest percentage of adults without a high school degree should shine a light on the state as a whole.

In the end, these 10 cities were deemed to be the dumbest in New York State.

That said, the company is not calling these cities "dumb" - so if you have an issue, take it up with Road Snacks. We're just reporting their findings.

Gallery Credit: Megan

If You See Purple Paint in New York You Need To Leave Right Away

Do you know what to do if you see purple paint in New York State? The easiest advice, run. Here's why.

20 Worst Places to Live in New York State

A list highlights the worst places a New York resident can call home. A number of places in the Hudson Valley made the list, including one that was ranked the worst place to live.