Ulster Wildfire Already Consumed 800 Acres, Gaining Intensity

Ashes have been raining down on the Hudson Valley from a wildfire that's already taken approximately 800 acres of land.

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Cuomo announced that he would be deploying additional emergency personnel to help contain a fire in Ulster County near Ellenville at Sam's Point Preserve.

This weekend, Minnewaska was closed to tourists as crews battled the brush fire. To date, there have been no injuries from the blaze and no structures have been consumed. With the forecast of rain throughout the day on Tuesday, crews are hopeful that they will finally get the fire under control.

There have been 70 additional state personnel deployed to to the area, making a total of more than 110 state emergency personnel who continue to battle the blaze.  In a statement on Monday Governor Cuomo said,

We will continue to take all necessary actions to extinguish this wildfire, and I urge everyone in the area to stay clear and informed with the latest information. Thanks to all of the first responders who have been tirelessly battling this wildfire.

Ashes could be seen raining down as far away as Wappingers Falls in Dutchess County on Monday afternoon. While there is a good chance of scattered rain throughout the day in the affected area, Wednesday and Thursday are expected to bring drier conditions, with humidity levels falling back down to 35%.

Meanwhile, emergency crews are asking for your help. Donations of chainsaws and other supplies for first responders are being accepted.