POMPTON LAKES, N.J. — A tragic incident occurred when a New York forest ranger lost his life while combating one of the numerous wildfires affecting both New Jersey and New York. This unfortunate event has unfolded during a period of dry conditions which have also triggered air quality warnings in these states, as announced by officials on Sunday.
The Eastern Dutchess County Fire and Rescue shared news from the New York state forestry service regarding the ranger, whose identity has not been disclosed. He sustained fatal injuries when a tree collapsed on him while he was engaged in firefighting efforts on Saturday afternoon, close to the New Jersey-New York border. Officials have expressed their condolences through social media, stating, “Rip brother your shift is over job well done.”
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Forest Fire Service, the expansive wildfire has covered over three square miles (approximately eight square kilometers) near the border region, particularly affecting West Milford in Passaic County, as well as Orange County in New York. Named the Jennings Creek wildfire, it poses a threat to two residences and eight structures located within the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District.
The air quality in parts of New York and northeastern New Jersey has deteriorated to hazardous levels due to smoke emanating from the fires, prompting health advisories. Residents are urged to reduce strenuous outdoor activities wherever possible. Vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting health conditions such as asthma and heart disease, are advised to exercise caution.
In New Jersey, officials reported that a 175-acre (70-hectare) blaze in the Pompton Lakes area of Passaic County has achieved 75 percent containment. This fire had placed 55 homes at risk; however, there have been no orders for evacuation as of yet.
Significant progress has also been made in managing other wildfires, including those in the Bethany Run area located along the border of Burlington and Camden counties, fires along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood Cliffs of Bergen County, and the Pheasant Run wildfire within the Glassboro wildlife protection area in Gloucester County.
Additionally, authorities in Ocean County announced on Saturday that arson and firearms charges have been filed related to a 350-acre (142-hectare) fire in Jackson Township that ignited earlier in the week. According to officials, the blaze was caused by magnesium fragments from a shotgun shell that landed on a shooting range berm. They emphasized that using such incendiary or tracer ammunition is prohibited in the state. Most of this fire was reported as contained by Friday, providing some relief to affected communities.
