New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other State agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

In the first half of 2025, Rangers conducted 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated 1,514 acres of land. In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.

“DEC’s Forest Rangers bravely protect State-owned and managed lands, as well as the people who use them. Whether conducting a search and rescue call or responding to a wildfire, Rangers are always ready when emergencies strike,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Every day and in all conditions, Forest Rangers demonstrate their expertise and leadership in protecting the public and State lands, serving as role models for the next generation of environmental stewards. DEC encourages interested New Yorkers to visit DEC’s website to learn how to become the next New York State Forest Ranger.”

Hamlet of Wassaic
Dutchess County
Unattended Fire: On December 1 at 7 p.m., Forest Ranger Grillo heard a call over Dutchess County 911 requesting fire department assistance with an unattended fire. Ranger Grillo and the Wassaic Fire Department arrived to find a large pile of brush covered with dirt was producing large plumes of smoke and active flames. The pile was allegedly left by workers on-site hours earlier. Fire crews broke up the fire with an excavator. Ranger Grillo wrote one ticket for the unattended fire.

Wassaic fire (two photos attached)

Town of Fishkill
Dutchess County
Training: From December 4–5, Forest Rangers Grillo, Parlier, and Pries taught land navigation to the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office emergency services team. At DEC’s Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center, Rangers taught linear searches, point of interest searches, compass work, and mapping software to better familiarize participants with search techniques and skills they may need in a wilderness setting.

Land navigation course (two photos attached)

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC's Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.