Local Fire Departments Stomp Out Black Rock Forest Fire

The Black Rock Forest in Cornwall New York is extremely relieved and grateful after a destructive fire burned through its maintenance garage on Wednesday. In a press release issued today staff at Black Rock shared how thankful they were that local fire departments responding where able to contain the fire to the garage.

According to a press release issued by the Black Rock Forest a fire broke out in the maintenance shop at Black Rock Forest's old headquarters. The fire was discovered just after 8 PM on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024.

Fire Damages Building at Black Rock Forest in Cornwall, New York

Fortunately, fire departments were able to respond quickly and were able to keep the fire contained to the shop. No injuries were reported however the damage is still being accessed.

Multiple fire companies and agencies responded from all over that region of Orange County New York including Cornwall, Cornwall-on-Hudson, Vails Gate, West Point, and New Windsor Fire Departments, the Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson Police Department, Cornwall / New Windsor EMS, Orange County Emergency Services Battalion 4 Deputy Fire Coordinator and Fire Investigation Unit, Orange County Division of Emergency Communications, and Central Hudson Gas & Electric.

“We deeply appreciate the emergency responders who were there for us last night and continue to support Black Rock Forest,” said Forest Director Matthew Brady. “Their efforts help us safeguard the environment and protect our drinking water, ensuring that the forest remains a vital resource for our community—a place for education, conservation, recreation, and connection with nature.”

 

SEE ALSO: Freak Storm Damages Building at Black Rock Forest in Cornwall, NY

This fire and the damage it caused came just a little over a year after Black Rock Forest experienced damage from a freak storm in July of 2023. The Maintenace Garage which supports the upkeep of the forest’s facilities, trails, and infrastructure was damaged last year during the July storm event but was in the process of being repaired.

SEE ALSO: Watch Bobcat Lose Deer to Bear in Black Rock Forest in Cornwall, NY

Black Rock Forest located in Cornwall New York is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of the natural world. Black Rock Forest manages more than 3,900 acres of forest and a field station in Cornwall New York approximately 60 miles north of New York City.

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