Essex County, NY Emergency Services

06/12/2026

Air temperatures in the 80s–low 90s, with dew points in the 60s–low 70s, will result in Dangerous Heat Index values. The wider, deeper valleys of VT and the Champlain Valley of NY will see mid 90s to around 100. Elsewhere, Heat Index values will still be dangerously hot at 90–95 degrees. All of the region should take proper heat precautions. https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

05/25/2026

Exit 32 NB Ramp Closure Rescheduled

Per NYS DOT, the I-87 Northbound Exit 32 off-ramp and the Northbound Rest Area ramp will be closed to all traffic beginning Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at approximately 8:00 AM.
This closure is expected to remain in place for approximately two weeks, through Friday, June 5, 2026. Signed detours will be in place utilizing I-87 Northbound Exits 31 and 33.
Please note:

Southbound exits will NOT be affected by this closure.
The Exit 32 northbound on-ramp at Stowersville Road will remain open to traffic traveling north on I-87.

05/18/2026

Over the weekend, our Director Josh Favro, had the honor of attending the Westport Hose Company #1 banquet to present John Tefoe with a 50 Years of Outstanding Service Award.

For five decades, John has demonstrated unwavering dedication, leadership, integrity, and commitment to protecting life and property while serving his community with pride and compassion. His service and devotion to others have left a lasting impact that will always be remembered.

On behalf of the Essex County Office of Emergency Services, we extend our sincere gratitude and congratulations to John on this incredible milestone and well-deserved recognition.

05/04/2026

Exit 32 NB Ramp Closure Postponed

Please be advised that the New York State DOT has postponed the scheduled ramp closure at Exit 32 Northbound. We apologize for the short notice on this change.

04/14/2026

Water available for residents in Moriah who are currently without water

Due to water main breaks, canned drinking water is available today (Monday, April 13, 2026) at the Moriah Fire Department, 630 Tarbell Hill Rd.
Pickup is available until 10:00 PM tonight.
Please share with anyone who may need access to safe drinking water.

04/12/2026

This week, we proudly recognize and thank our incredible Essex County Emergency Services Telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

You are the calm in the chaos—the steady voice on the other end of the line when every second matters. Your professionalism, dedication, and compassion ensure that help is always just a call away. Behind every response is your expertise, guiding first responders and supporting our community in its most critical moments.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment, long hours, and the vital role you play each and every day. Essex County is safer because of you.

03/30/2026

The Essex County HazMat Team recently conducted a specialized training event at the ORDA facility in Lake Placid. During this hands-on training, team members gained valuable insight into the facility’s cooling operations, including an in-depth tour of both the old and newly upgraded anhydrous ammonia systems. This experience enhanced the team’s understanding of system design, safety considerations, and emergency response strategies related to ammonia-based refrigeration.

03/12/2026

NYS Burn Ban

The annual New York State Burn Ban will take effect starting March 16th through May 14th.

Burning Not Allowed:
- Burning brush or yard debris
- Open fires used to burn leaves or trash
- Large uncontained fires

Burning Allowed:
- Small backyard fire pits
- Campfires
- Small cooking fires

**These allowable fires must be less than 3 feet high and 4 feet wide and properly contained.

More information is available from NYS DEC at https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/air-quality/open-burning

03/08/2026

AuSable River Ice Movement

Please be advised that ice movement has begun on the AuSable River and water levels are expected to rise. Residents living along the river should remain alert and be prepared in the event of potential flooding.
Current river conditions and water level information can be found here: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/ASFN6

02/20/2026