Welders Accidentally Ignite 100-Acre Blaze in New York State Park

A fire official says a mountainside blaze that consumed nearly 100 acres at New York’s Harriman State Park was caused by construction workers using an open fire for welding.

Rockland County Fire Coordinator Gordon Wren says the workers were unable to put out the fire with shovels. He says strong winds helped spread the flames.

Fire officials say no one was hurt in the blaze off Route 202. It was extinguished at about 3 a.m. Friday.

Hillcrest Fire Chief Kim Weppler says the fire began about 1,500 feet from the Ramapo Equestrian Center around 12:45 p.m. Thursday. Seven fire departments were called.

Harriman State Park is more than 30 miles northwest of Manhattan.
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Information from: The Journal News