WALLKILL – It is almost one year since wildfires raged through 3,000 acres of Minnewaska forestland in the towns of Rochester and Wawarsing and Thursday night, members of the town boards of Gardiner and Shawangunk joined forces to learn what to do in the event of wildfires in their communities.

State Forest Ranger Robert Mecus said residents who live near forestlands could take steps to reduce the risk to their homes.

“There are many things that can be done on a very grassroots level, a volunteer level, such as maintaining the vegetation around the home, and basic maintenance, to make ensure that sparks and embers don’t enter the home in case of wildfires,” he said.

Gardiner Town Board Member Greg Finger said for some, last year’s wildfires touched close to home.

Several people at Thursday evening’s meeting had ash and embers from the fires f last April blow across the ridge and land on their property, on their decks, homes and cars. “These people were witness to the fact that this is a real concern,” he said.

Also at the session was Michelle Steinberg of Firewise Communities, who explained their program to protect homes in wildfire prone areas.