18-year-old NY State Parks employee Dariel Vasquez killed battling Orange County wildfire. Multiple fires rage across NY and NJ, burning over 2,500 acres. The Yonkers work injury lawyers at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. | The Disability Guys highlight the need for support for the families of those injured or killed while on duty.
New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Department Aid Fatally Killed Fighting Wildfires in NY
A tragic incident occurred Saturday in Orange County’s Sterling Forest as an 18-year-old New York state employee lost his life while combating a wildfire. Dariel Vasquez, who worked as an aid for the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Department, was killed while helping to control the forest fire, according to a statement from state police.
Governor Hochul Expresses Condolences to Family
New York Governor Kathy Hochul shared her sorrow in a statement on Sunday, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of our New York State Parks employees while responding to a wildfire in Orange County yesterday. My prayers go out to his family, friends and coworkers during this difficult time.”
Ongoing Wildfire Situation in New York
The Northeast continues to face significant wildfire threats due to warm and dry weather conditions. As of Sunday evening, 11 million people were under fire alerts, though some began to expire as a weather front approached, promising light rain overnight in areas including New York City, the Lower Hudson Valley, and the New York-New Jersey Highlands.
Multiple Fires Burning in Orange County
Orange County is currently battling multiple fires. County Executive Steve Neuhaus provided an update on Sunday afternoon, describing a rapidly evolving situation. “The situation has gotten a lot more difficult,” he stated in a video update, showing flames reaching overhead height in the background.
Jennings Creek Wildfire Crosses State Lines Into New Jersey
The Sterling Forest Fire has spread to neighboring Passaic County, New Jersey, where it’s known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire. As of Sunday evening, this blaze had consumed 3,000 acres and was only 10% contained. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that 25 structures were at risk after nightfall.
Air Quality Concerns
The wildfires have triggered air quality alerts for several areas. An alert was in effect for New York State’s Orange and Putnam counties through midnight Sunday. Additionally, an air quality health advisory was issued for metropolitan New York City and the Hudson Valley regions due to potentially high pollution levels.
Ongoing Investigations Following Death
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Vasquez’s death. The causes of the Jennings Creek Wildfire and the Cannonball 3 Wildfire in Passaic County are also under investigation.
Markhoff & Mittman, P.C.
51 Smart Ave, #200A,
Yonkers, NY 10704
(914) 600-3874
Advocating for Justice in Work-Related Fatalities
The tragic death of 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez while battling a wildfire highlights the urgent need for enhanced workplace safety, particularly in high-risk professions. Such incidents not only devastate families but also reveal potential shortcomings in safety protocols and equipment. The work injury attorneys at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. are dedicated to standing alongside families affected by work-related fatalities, ensuring that those responsible for negligence are held accountable.
Our legal team understands that no compensation can replace a lost loved one, but we strive to provide financial support to families facing unexpected hardships. By pursuing justice, we aim to compel responsible parties to improve safety standards and prevent future tragedies. If you have lost a loved one in a work-related accident, the compassionate attorneys at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. are here to help you navigate this difficult time and seek the justice your family deserves.
Source
Brian Mittman, the Managing Partner and Owner at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C., embodies the spirit of "An Unexpected Legal Experience" in both his personal and professional life. With unwavering dedication, Brian tirelessly advocates for the rights of injured and disabled individuals in New York.
