Rainstorm Slowed Napanoch Point Fire, Didn't Extinguish It

ELLENVILLE, NY — A rainstorm Wednesday night did not put the Napanoch Point Fire out in Minnewaska State Park Preserve, but it did slow the fire's spread.

Officials said the rain bought firefighters more time to put in containment lines.

The fire, according to a news release from Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan, has grown to an estimated 270 acres. Officials said the fire was as much as 150 acres Tuesday.

Due to changing fire and weather conditions, containment of the fire in unknown at this time.

Two Blackhawk helicopters conducted 82 bucket drops Tuesday, with two New York State Police helicopters conducting 87 bucket drops.

There are more than 200 firefighters, led by Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers, who are working on three fires on the Shawangunk Ridge: the Napanoch Point fire, the Stony Kill fire and the Wurtsboro fire in Sullivan County.

The Stony Kill fire in Minnewaska State Park Preserve is 1.4 acres and 95 percent contained. The preserve remains closed to all visitors at least through Labor Day weekend.