New wildfires erupted across the Northeast on Tuesday, compounding a series of recent blazes that have emerged due to persistently dry conditions, resulting in at least one fatality. Concurrently, significantly larger fires are raging in California and other western states.

Heavy smoke is causing poor air quality, prompting health advisories in areas of New Jersey and New York, including New York City. Firefighters in Massachusetts are battling a multitude of fires amidst strong winds and drought circumstances. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for most of the state and some parts of Connecticut, indicating critical conditions where fires could swiftly spread.

Officials in Massachusetts reported that the majority of the approximately 200 fires this month have been caused by human activity. Governor Maura Healey has urged citizens to refrain from igniting any fires. She emphasized, “Now is not the time to burn leaves. Now is not the time to go outside and light a fire,” while addressing the media in Middleton.

In southern New Jersey, a fire triggered fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, leading to an unprecedented number of 911 emergency calls on Monday, according to local officials. Tragically, a parks employee lost their life in a blaze near the New York-New Jersey border over the weekend, and several firefighters have sustained injuries while combating additional fires.

Firefighting crews are facing significant challenges in detecting and controlling numerous fires, as they must maneuver through dense forests, winding country roads, lakes, and steep inclines. Authorities have noted that fallen leaves have concealed potential hazards on the dry ground, complicating their efforts.

Much of the East Coast has experienced minimal rainfall since September, and experts predict that the fire activity will continue until there is substantial rainfall or frost occurs. Meanwhile, in California, firefighters are making strides in combating a large fire northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County that ignited Wednesday. This wildfire expanded rapidly due to dry, warm conditions and gusty Santa Ana winds. Dubbed the Mountain Fire, it was about 50% contained by Tuesday, approximately a week after it first ignited.

The fire, covering 32 square miles, has largely been brought under control, according to County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner during a press briefing on Monday evening. This incident has resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents, destruction of nearly 200 structures—primarily homes—and has damaged over 80 other buildings. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.