Wildfires in New Jersey and New York are spreading rapidly due to drought and strong winds. The brief Sunday rain didn’t aid firemen in difficult conditions.
nearly the weekend, the Jennings Creek Fire burned nearly 3,000 acres near Passaic and Orange counties on the New Jersey-New York border. As extremely dry weather prevails, hundreds of fires have started in the region. So far, firefighters have confined 10% of the fire, stretching their resources to stop its spread.
Since October, New Jersey has had 537 wildfires, up dramatically from last year. Fires in Prospect Park and Jackson Township, New Jersey, caused air quality alerts in New York City. When New York City’s Air Quality Index reached dangerous levels on Saturday night, officials advised residents to stay indoors.
One terrible firefighter death highlights the risks. New York State Parks employee Dariel Vasquez, 18, was struck by a falling tree while containing the fire on Saturday, highlighting the danger.
Conditions remain dangerous after October was New York City’s driest month. Light rain is forecast, but not enough to stop the fires or dryness, say meteorologists. Without rain, New York is on its first drought watch in 20 years, with water use restrictions possible.
Human activity has caused flames together with the drought. Illegal “Dragon’s Breath” shotgun rounds in New Jersey caused 350 acres of fire before being extinguished. The individual was charged with arson, showing how human activities can increase wildfire risk.
Officials advise care and collaboration as Northeast residents deal with wildfires. New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul stressed water conservation and fire prevention.
Fighting these fires highlights a changing environment with more intense weather. Officials and people expect a lengthy road to managing and recovering from these fires.