From fighting wildfires to rescuing lost hikers, New York State Forest Rangers had a busy week across the state — including drug-impaired hikers, illegal firearm use, and multiple search and rescue missions.
As of July 1, Rangers had conducted 139 search and rescue operations and helped suppress 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres in 2025.
Here are some of the highlights from the most recent week:
Fire sparked by lightning in Lake Luzerne
Rangers responded to a wildland fire at the Hudson River Special Management Area on Aug. 25. The two-acre blaze in Eddy Swamp was fully contained by Aug. 27. Investigators determined it was started by a lightning strike the week before.
Hikers high on mushrooms rescued in Shandaken
On Aug. 29, four hikers got lost near Giant Ledge in the Catskills after taking mushrooms. One person was unable to walk, and the group had also lost their car keys. Rangers located the group, helped them out, and later recovered the lost keys under a log.
Firearm discharged at campground in Clinton County
Rangers issued tickets to a man at Ausable Point Campground on Aug. 26 after he allegedly fired a shot at a blue heron. Charges include disorderly conduct, disturbing wildlife, and illegally discharging a firearm. The bird was not located.
Lost hikers, overdue teens, and elderly search
Other rescues included:
- Three hikers without lights on McKenzie Mountain in Essex County.
- An 89-year-old with dementia located in thick brush near his home in Rensselaer County.
- A 14-year-old missing at Kaaterskill Falls in Greene County.
- Three hikers, including a 9-year-old, stranded without a light source in Hamilton County.
- A hiker who collapsed on Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain in Essex County.
Prescribed burn at Albany Pine Bush
On Aug. 27, Rangers helped conduct a 13.6-acre prescribed fire at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Controlled burns are used to improve wildlife habitats and prevent uncontrolled wildfires.
Want to become a Ranger?
Applications are open through Sept. 17 to take the next civil service exam for Forest Ranger positions. Visit the NY Civil Service website for more info.
If you need a Ranger, call 833-NYS-RANGERS or dial 911 in an emergency.
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