A drought and exceptionally dry weather have caused catastrophic wildfires in the North East. On Saturday, 18-year-old park ranger Dariel Vasquez died while fighting a fire in Sterling Forest State Park in New York.
The fire, covering over 3,000 acres, is essentially uncontained. A tree fell on Vasquez as he was clearing brush to stop the fire. His tragedy underscores the dangers first responders face in protecting lives and property.
Wildfires have been burning in drought-stricken New York’s Prospect Park and areas of New Jersey and Connecticut. With not much rain since September, reservoirs and rivers in the Northeast are critically low and fire danger remains high.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and other officials offered condolences to Vasquez’s family, saying, “He was committed to protecting our parks and communities.” As firefighters battle the blaze, residents were urged to prepare for evacuations.
An air quality warning has been issued in New York, New Jersey and other states due to the fires. A cloud of smoke from forest fires hangs over major cities such as New York.
Experts say climate change is a major factor. New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said, “Climate change is real – it’s here.” The drought in the Northeast shows how global warming is causing severe weather, drought and wildfires.
Regional wildfires continue, so officials are advising people to avoid outdoor fires and conserve water. An arsonist was arrested in Jackson Township, New Jersey, after he caused a fire by firing shots.
Santa Ana winds fanned wildfires in Ventura County that damaged more than 130 structures. Firefighters were able to contain part of the blaze, but the cause is still under investigation.
As firefighters battle this disaster on both coasts, officials and climate experts are urging communities to prepare and raise awareness about the impact of climate change during weather disasters.