Sams point

Sam's Point Preserve Fire Timeline

  • Fire in Minnewaska State Park

    Largest forest fire in nearly 60 years. Started by a discarded cigarette, the fire burned for nearly a week.
  • Fire in the Shawangunks

    A fire in the Shawangunks near Ellenville burned over 2,000 acres. The most recent forest fire in the Hudson Valley prior to the Sam's Point Preserve fire.
  • Sam's Point Fire Ignites

    Like the fire at Minnewaska, the fire was started by a hiker's discarded cigarette. Another visitor saw the blaze and hiked back to the visitor center to call 911, but by the time they returned the fire had grown
  • Preserve is Officially Closed

    The entire park is closed, including all the trails, while over 100 local volunteers try to contain the blaze.
  • Fire is Officially Contained

    The governor officially announced that the fire was fully contained. Over 300 first responders from the area helped to contain the fire.
  • Park Remains Closed

    Park officials announce that the preserve, including all trails, will continue to be closed until further noticed.
  • Limited Openings

    Park officials announce the openings of the following trails:
    The Loop Road
    Ice Cave Road
    Ice Caves Trail