The History of Wildfires in New York

By Y.M. Lowy

As wildfires burn through Los Angeles, it’s a reminder of the devastating impact these fires can have, even on places like New York State, which has its own wildfire history.

New York’s early history of fires can be traced back to the Great Fire of 1835, a destructive blaze that consumed much of New York City. While this fire wasn’t a wildfire in the traditional sense, it exposed the vulnerabilities of a city built on timber and the need for stronger fire prevention measures. 

The Adirondacks became the stage for one of the state’s most memorable wildfire incidents in 1903. A series of fires ravaged the region, so severe that smoke from the flames could be seen as far as Washington, D.C. The Adirondacks were particularly vulnerable due to their dense forests. A few years later, 1908 saw some of the worst forest fires in New York State’s history. Fires raged for four months and destroyed the town of Long Lake West, now Sabattis, all due to sparks from a passing train.

In recent years, New York has faced increasing wildfire activity, influenced by climate change and land-use practices. In November 2024, wildfires in New Jersey affected air quality in New York City.

Just as the LA fires grab headlines, New York’s fascinating wildfire history serves as a reminder of the importance of fire prevention and preparedness.