Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Kerhonkson is once again available for hiking and camping. The 22,000-plus-acre haven, which was closed this past Saturday morning as a wildfire ultimately consumed 16.2 acres of dry brush over the ensuing 48 hours, officially reopened earlier today.
Firefighters from several counties worked to contain the blaze, which was first detected at the overlook area on Route 44/55 in the Town of Rochester. Capt. Steve Scherry, a forest ranger with the state Department of Environmental Conversation, told the Daily Freeman that the fire was “human-caused,” likely owing to there being “a lot of parties, historically,” atop the ridge where the fire broke out. No buildings were damaged and no homes were evacuated, though Sherry said one firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.
Town of Rochester Supervisor Carl Chipman, who was posting regular social-media updates throughout the weekend, remarked yesterday via Facebook that, “The efforts of the men and women who have been battling this blaze in the scorching heat is truly awe inspiring,” adding that he was “truly grateful for all of their hard work.”
Unfortunately, this latest closure was not Minnewaska’s first of the season. In April, a six-day wildfire destroyed more than 2,000 acres across Sam’s Point Preserve, resulting in weeks of trail restrictions.
And while there will be no fire ban at Minnewaska this coming holiday weekend, visitors would be wise to roast those marshmallows with caution.
