Smoke from Ulster Co. brush fire covers Capital Region

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Multiple fire agencies and municipalities are urging residents to refrain from calling dispatchers about the increase in smoke across the Capital Region as an approximate 422-acre brush fire continues to burn in Denning. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said fire suppression continued Sunday morning for the Whitehouse fire.

Metzger said on Sunday that more than 185 firefighters and 20 agencies in Sullivan, Ulster, and Delaware Counties are working to suppress the brush fire. Officials said people should avoid the Sundown Forest and Peekamoose Road area at the Denning town line to Sundown Road, which is closed to all traffic.

The brush fire is managed by the unified command system by the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services, Sullivan County Division of Public Safety, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Grahamsville Fire Department.

A release from the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management said that due to the wind's trajectory, smoke from the Ulster County brush fire has traveled north and into Saratoga County. Although there is no specific threat to Saratoga County residents, the conditions in the county are prime for fires to develop.

"Residents are encouraged to follow their town ordinances regarding open burning, only call 911 in an emergency, and to follow the National Weather Service for updates about the southern brush fires and weather conditions," the release said.

A news release from Gov. Kathy Hocul on Saturday said no mandatory evacuations are in place. She added that New Yorkers should monitor local forecasts and air quality in the impacted areas.

"With recent drought conditions, there have been multiple wildfires ignited across the state, and we have deployed state assets and agencies to coordinate with local first responders in fighting these fires while closely monitoring air quality as a result of them," Hocul said. "The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority, and I urge everyone in impacted areas, especially those vulnerable, to stay alert, monitor air quality, and take necessary precautions to stay safe."

The brush fire has yet to be contained. Stay with NEWS10 as more information becomes available.