POMPTON LAKES, N.J. — Firefighting teams across the United States are actively combatting wildfires, including a significant incident in New York and New Jersey that tragically resulted in the death of a parks employee and led to the postponement of Veterans Day celebrations. Another wildfire in Southern California has caused extensive damage, destroying over 130 structures.
Firefighters are making headway against a wildfire to the northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County. This fire ignited on Wednesday and grew rapidly, fueled by dry conditions, high temperatures, and strong Santa Ana winds. Currently, the Mountain Fire is reported to be approximately 31% contained, an improvement from 26% the previous day, but the fire’s size remains at around 32 square miles (about 83 square kilometers). Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
Some residents have been permitted to return to their homes; however, evacuation warnings and road closures remain in effect in several areas. The Ventura County Fire Department has advised returning residents to be cautious of potential hazards such as downed power lines and debris.
In a heartbreaking incident, New York State Police are looking into the death of Dariel Vasquez, an 18-year-old state parks employee who died when a tree collapsed on him during firefighting efforts at a brush fire in Sterling Forest, near Greenwood Lake, close to New Jersey. A post from New York State forestry services recognized his contributions, stating, “Rip brother your shift is over job well done.”
On the New Jersey side, the Jennings Creek Wildfire is threatening 25 buildings, including two homes. As of Sunday night, this fire has expanded to 4.7 square miles (12 square kilometers) and is approximately 10% contained. Additionally, in West Milford, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars commander announced a delay in the month’s Veterans Day ceremony due to the ongoing firefighting-related activities. Rudy Hass acknowledged that many involved in the firefighting efforts are veterans, urging the community to keep them in their thoughts as they put in long hours to safeguard their neighborhoods.
Amid the wildfires, health advisories have been issued across various regions in New York, including New York City and parts of northeastern New Jersey, due to hazardous air quality caused by smoke. Citizens are being advised to reduce outdoor activities, particularly vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions like asthma and heart disease.
Positive developments have occurred with other wildfires. New Jersey officials reported that a 175-acre (70-hectare) fire in the Pompton Lakes region has achieved 75% containment, threatening 55 homes, though no evacuations were mandated. Progress was also noted in addressing several other fires occurring within the state under perilously dry conditions.
In another development, authorities in Ocean County, New Jersey, revealed arson and firearms charges tied to a 350-acre (142-hectare) fire in Jackson Township that started earlier in the week. Officials stated this fire had reached substantial containment by the end of the week, having reportedly been sparked by magnesium shards from a shotgun shell.
In Massachusetts, multiple wildfires have been intensified by strong winds and dry foliage, including a notable blaze that has consumed hundreds of acres in the Lynn Woods Reservation, a park spanning about 3.4 square miles (8.8 square kilometers) just north of Boston. Lynn Fire Department officials noted the unusual drought-like conditions this time of year and reported over 400 acres burned so far. Fire Chief Dan Sullivan expressed optimism about containment efforts, stating they have utilized main fire roads to surround the blaze and would continue to monitor the area to prevent further spread.
The Northeast is currently facing extended dry weather conditions, contributing to the wildfire risks. In New Jersey, the Department of Environmental Protection is set to hold a hearing to analyze the state’s water supply situations. Concurrently, a drought was declared last week in large parts of Massachusetts.