NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Fire crews are still fighting the Jennings Creek wildfire, which has burned 5,304 acres as of Sunday evening.
Progress was made throughout the day, with over 60,000 gallons of water dropped onto the hot ground via helicopters.
The fire was 88% contained Sunday, a week after the flames first started, state officials said. The Sterling Forest State Park's visitor center, lakefront area, and historic furnace area remain open but all activities in the woodlands area remain closed.
Winds caused the large fire to escape its containment line near Edgemere Avenue in Warwick, which initially prompted 35 homes to evacuate voluntarily, according to New York Department of Environmental Conservation spokesperson Jeff Wernick.
The voluntary evacuation for Edgemere Avenue and Wah-Ta-Wah Park remains in effect. An evacuation site has been set up at Greenwood Lakes Middle School to accommodate those displaced by the fire.
Officials say the State of Emergency for Orange County has been extended and the Greenwood Lake Union Free School District will be closed on Monday.
Air Quality Index values are projected to remain elevated through Sunday evening, which may be particularly unhealthy for sensitive groups.
State officials say smoke will be more noticeable in the valleys overnight and early morning.
Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.
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