Warwick issues update on Jennings Creek Fire

This morning, Warwick Town Supervisor Jesse Dwyer said the Jennings Creek fire at Greenwood Lake and Sterling Forest State Park is now 40% contained. Power has also been restored to the East Shore Road area and is not expected to be turned off again unless absolutely necessary.

Dwyer attributed the progress to favorable winds, low temperatures and the strategic burning of fuel sources in certain parts of the Sterling Forest. He said Thursday’s plan was to continue to “backburn” a portion of the forest “between 32 Edgemere Ave along a carefully constructed fire barrier line heading east a quarter of a mile away from Wah Ta Wah Park and then pack back south toward Blue Lake.” This will involve the deliberate burning of about 1,000 acres, and additional smoke may enter the village as a result.

For Friday, Nov. 15, Dwyer said the plan is to burn multiple fuel sources in a portion of the forest from Long Meadow Road inward, affecting the area “east of Sterling Forest from the Old Forge Road area south to Blue Lake.” Again, residents may be affected by smoke as another 1,000+ hectares are to be burned.

For those adversely affected by the potential smoky conditions, the city said residents can go to the American Legion on Mountain Lakes Lane, which is being used as a temporary shelter staffed by the American Red Cross.

East Shore Road, from 32 Edgemere to the Forest Knolls entrance, will remain closed for the foreseeable future. Residents traveling to or from home and for essential travel can go through Awosting Road at the New Jersey end.