WARWICK, New York (WABC) — The Jennings Creek Wildfire continued to grow along the New York-New Jersey border on Wednesday.
Officials from both states said Wednesday afternoon that 4,383 acres are on fire with 30% containment — that includes 2,100 acres in New York and 2,283 in New Jersey.
There has been no significant rain since September, creating very dry conditions and dry fallen leaves on the ground — prompting New Jersey officials to issue a Drought Warning on Wednesday.
“New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented weather conditions-as a result of climate change-that require us to take these precautionary measures now,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “It can be challenging to adjust our daily habits, but it is imperative that we all work together, heed the guidance to conserve water, and use the utmost caution outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfire as dry conditions continue statewide.”
New Jersey residents are urged to avoid outdoor fires and lighting fires in firepits, let lawns go dormant for the season, winterize irrigation systems, water flowers and shrubs only as necessary, fix leaky faucets, and upgrade showerheads to low-flow versions.
“Beneath the surface leaf litter that falls off the trees, that stuff is bone dry,” Bryan Gallagher, a forest ranger with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, said at a media briefing. “So right now you get a little bit of rain that puts that surface fire out. But if it’s in the duff it’s going to stay there. It’s going to smolder like a cigar until it gets dry enough and then that fire can pop up again.”
The last New Jersey statewide Drought Emergency with mandatory water use restrictions began in March 2002 and lasted until January 2003. The last time there was a Drought Watch in the state was in 2022, beginning in August and it was lifted in December.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the brush fire is one of 11 burning across the state and conditions remain dire. She issued a statewide burn ban until November 30.
“It is critical to avoid any outdoor burning at this time. Remember to report any fires immediately to authorities, stay alert, and monitor your local forecast and law enforcement alerts.” she said.
New Jersey issued a burn ban in October.
The Jennings Creek fire started burning in Orange County, New York, and Passaic County, New Jersey over the weekend.
The fire claimed the life of an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter, Dariel Vasquez.
Fire crews met significant challenges on Tuesday due to wind gusts up to 40 mph.
In New Jersey, flames threatened two residential structures and eight other structures in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
No structures were currently threatened on the New York side, Hochul said Tuesday afternoon. There have been no mandatory evacuations, however, as a precaution, 12 homes in the Town of Warwick, Orange County voluntarily evacuated.
Despite the challenges, officials reported signs of progress Tuesday evening, saying crews successfully maintained the fire line thanks to 178 helicopter water drops on East Shore, which helped significantly in containing the fire.
A firefighting helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons (1,325 liters) at a time was being used to help combat fire. The National Guard also deployed two Black Hawk helicopters for water drops, Gov. Hochul said.
And more backup is on the way, with Chinook helicopters were scheduled to arrive Wednesday, capable of dropping even larger amounts of water.
Another potential factor that could help crews: favorable weather conditions are expected for the next few days, according to officials.
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