Northeast on high alert as wildfires blaze across multiple states amid severe drought and windy conditions

Wind gusts and dry conditions have ignited wildfires throughout the Northeast, putting cities on high alert. Red flag warnings signaled extreme fire risks due to warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, lasting into Saturday afternoon across many cities.

On Sunday, several Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island cities will remain under red flag warnings between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The region has experienced a severe drought, with rainfall 6 to 8 inches below average since September. A cold front expected on Sunday may bring relief, potentially dropping up to 1 inch of rain.

In New York City, a brush fire swept through Brooklyn’s Prospect Park overnight from Friday to Saturday, burning around 2 acres of parched vegetation. The New York City Fire Department noted this month alone has seen over 100 brush fires, marking a historically dry season.

In Pennsylvania, a fire erupted on Neversink Mountain in Reading due to dry, windy conditions, leading to evacuations. “The firefighting operation will continue for days, with coordinated resources,” said Reading Mayor Eddie Morán.

Fires Threaten Multiple Areas in New Jersey and New York

In Passaic County, New Jersey, two significant wildfires—the Cannonball 3 Wildfire in Pompton Lakes and the Jennings Creek Wildfire spanning to Orange County, New York—are threatening structures and prompting evacuations. Cannonball 3, a 175-acre blaze, is 75% contained, while Jennings Creek has already consumed 2,000 acres and is currently 0% contained. Firefighters, aided by helicopters, continue battling the flames.

Tragically, a forest ranger lost his life in Greenwood Lake, New York, when a tree fell on him during firefighting efforts. “Rip brother, your shift is over,” Eastern Dutchess County Fire and Rescue officials posted in tribute.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded to over 400 fires last month alone, a sharp increase from the same period last year when only 27 fires were reported.

West Coast Blazes Add to the Fire Crisis

Meanwhile, on the West Coast, the Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California, has spread over 20,600 acres, prompting air quality alerts in Southern California.