Hochul Announces Statewide Burn Ban Due to Increased Fire Risk

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a statewide burn ban through the end of the month due to increased fire risk. That word came today (November 12) as Hochul visited Greenwood Lake in Orange County, where first responders continue to battle wildfires.The Democrat met with Orange County executive Steve Neuhaus and other local officials near a large wildfire still burning by the village of Greenwood Lake.Neuhaus says the fire has burned more than 5000 acres between New York and New Jersey since starting near the border a few weeks ago.An 18 year old park ranger was killed Saturday while helping to establish a fire line around the blaze.Hochul says fire departments and park rangers from across the state have pitched in with controlled burns and bucket drops via helicopter.Officials say the fire is currently about 20% contained.Neuhaus expects efforts to fight the fire will continue for at least a few more weeks as there is little rain in the forecast. The Greenwood Lake fire is one of several fires to pop up in recent days as dry conditions and strong winds feed sparks across the northeast.Much of the region is under a red flag warning and Hochul ordered a statewide burn ban in response to the fires.Meantime, Ulster County executive, Jem Metzger says firefighters have now contained 95% of the White House fire in the town of Denning Metzger says as of nightfall Monday, it has burned 630 acres.Image: A statewide burn ban is now in effect as wildfires consume thousands of acres of land in the Hudson River Valley.( Credit: WCBS)