From rescuing dehydrated hikers to putting out wildfires sparked by campfires, New York State Forest Rangers had a full slate of calls across the state last week.
According to the DEC’s weekly report, Rangers responded to multiple wilderness rescues, a handful of wildfires, and even took a suspect with multiple warrants into custody.
In Otsego County, Forest Rangers discovered illegal campers in Plainfield State Forest. One of them was wanted on charges including criminal obstruction of breathing and was turned over to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office.
Elsewhere in the Adirondacks, Rangers helped several lost or injured hikers — including a 72-year-old who was missing overnight in the Sawtooth Mountains, a 36-year-old who was out of water near Round Pond, and a 21-year-old who fell up to 30 feet near Rock Pond in Ticonderoga.
In Greene County, a hiker on Black Dome Mountain with an ankle injury was carried out by Rangers and local rescuers. And in Delaware County, a 68-year-old with dementia was found safe after going missing overnight in Walton.
Wildfires were also a concern. Rangers contained two small fires in Hamilton County — both sparked by unattended campfires. Officials continue to urge campers to fully extinguish fires before leaving them.
So far in 2025, Forest Rangers have responded to 139 search and rescue missions and extinguished 82 wildfires.
To learn more about becoming a Forest Ranger, visit the NYS Civil Service website. The next entry-level exam deadline is Sept. 17.
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