Brush fires have burned more than 50 acres of woodland in Rockland County, sending thick smoke across the Hudson River.
More than 150 firefighters began battling the brush fires in Clausland Mountain State Park in Orangeburg Thursday afternoon. The flames spread quickly with the windy and dry conditions.
"It's blowing it all over. It just took off, the wind blew it right up the mountain," said Orangeburg Fire Chief Cornelius Lynady.
The firefighters had to halt their efforts when the rugged mountain terrain became too steep and the nighttime hours became dangerously dark.
No structures have been burned, officials say.
Neighbors were in awe as they watched the fire from afar.
"It looks like the things you see in California," said Besty Jordan.
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Tracie Duffy teared up as she pulled over to watch the fires.
"I spent many afternoons climbing through those mountains, and to see them on fire, it's just heartbreaking. It makes me want to cry," she said.
