Ben Swart, a volunteer firefighter with the Catskills Fire Department and our colleague, recently faced one of the toughest challenges of his career. Over three days in mid-November, his team was deployed to the frontlines of one of New York’s largest wildfires. The Jennings Creek/Sterling Forest State Park fire which was straddling the New York/New Jersey border. The largest fire in New York State in over a century.
Here Ben shares the challenges he and his crew faced during one of the state’s most intense fire seasons. From coordination to containment, Ben explains the critical role of technology, teamwork, and sheer determination in protecting lives and property.
The Fire
The wildfire began raging on November 8 and took a full fourteen days to be fully contained. Tragically, it claimed the life of 18-year-old New York State Park worker Dariel Vasquez, who died when a tree fell on him during the firefighting efforts. The fire consumed thousands of acres of forestland, threatening wildlife and homes across the region. Flames leapt over ridges, fueled by dry brush and high winds, creating a formidable challenge for the responders.
“It was massive,” Ben recalled. “It had spread quickly, and we were fighting to keep it from reaching residential areas.” As his crew joined those already on scene he emphasized the importance of teamwork. “We worked alongside state coordinators, neighboring departments, and even had air support dropping water. The collaboration was incredible, and everyone was grateful for the unified effort.”
Technology on the Frontlines
One standout element for Ben was the use of real-time tracking devices. “I used FLORIAN” he explained. “Patrick [O’Connor, 3AM Innovations’ co-founder] was tracking me the whole time. It was a game-changer, especially when updating the command center and marking safe zones with geofences.”
Beyond the immediate response, the data collected during the operation will serve as a vital training tool. “We’ll be using this information for after-action reviews,” Ben said. “Having a total map of the fire’s progression and understanding how, where, and when resources were deployed will be useful for future responses.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the intensity, Ben expressed gratitude for the experience. “It’s exhausting, but knowing we protected homes and lives makes it worthwhile. Plus, the community has really shown their support, bringing food and water to the frontlines for the responders.”
Ben also highlighted the increasing frequency of wildfires and the need for heightened preparedness, especially in regions not typically prone to such disasters. He also shared his hope for more rain to prevent further outbreaks and underscored the importance of advanced training, increased funding for technology, and community engagement to prepare for future challenges. “We’ve seen an uptick in fires, even during the colder months. It’s a reminder that fire seasons are becoming less predictable, and we need to stay ready.”