Many of you may have seen the smoke or have heard about the fire located at the Minnewaska Park above the first lookout on Route 44/55. I participated in a meeting at the Command Center located at the Kerhonkson Firehouse at 10:15 this morning and have information to share with you.

Currently the fire involves an estimated 20-25 acres and it is estimated to be 50-60% contained and it is located in the park above the first lookout which is part of the park. There aren’t any homes or other structures threatened by the fire in that area which is very good news. As of this moment there are members from 28 fire companies in our region fighting the fire along with the DEC, and State Police Air Support doing water drops.

For obvious reasons, the Minnewaska Park is closed and Route 44/55 has been closed to non-local traffic beginning with its intersection with Route 209 and should remain closed for at least the duration of the day. We are asking that everyone try to avoid that area as well as in Kerhonkson near the Firehouse as that is the staging area for personnel and equipment. The best thing we can do is to stay out of the way and let the firefighters do their work.

Please don’t be alarmed if you smell smoke in the valley as it is normal for it to waft down. Calm heads must prevail. I’ve read some of the false rumors on Facebook and ask that you only pay attention to official sources. The firefighters are during a tremendous job and I’m fully confident that they are winning the battle with this fire. I’ll try to keep you abreast with any developments and please keep our firefighters in your prayers.

Thank You,

Carl Chipman

Town of Rochester Supervisor