Article
An 18-year-old New York parks employee died Saturday while battling one of many wildfires burning through several thousand acres across the tri-state.
Firefighter Dies in the Line of Duty
Dariel Vasquez had been deployed to Sterling Forest in Orange County, which borders New Jersey’s Passaic County. The so-called Jennings Creek Wildfire was first reported on Saturday and spread to at least 2,500 acres, with zero percent containment as of Saturday night. A number of local roads were closed and around 25 structures were threatened, but no evacuation orders were in place.
Multiple Agencies Involved in the Firefight
Multiple agencies involved in the firefight said the 18-year-old died when a tree fell on him Saturday afternoon. The Eastern Dutchess County Fire and Rescue posted a tribute to the fallen firefighter, saying, "Rip brother your shift is over job well done."
Governor’s Statement
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of our New York State Parks employees while responding to a wildfire in Orange County yesterday," Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. "I commend his dedication to serving and protecting his fellow New Yorkers, and his bravery on the front lines."
Other Fires Burning Across the Tri-State
The Jennings Creek Wildfire is one of at least six major wildfires burning across the Garden State. The fires have taken advantage of an unusually dry fall, where many parts of the tri-state have recorded or gotten close to breaking record dry stretches.
Relief in Sight
Some relief is on the way Sunday evening when the first measurable rain in weeks is expected to sweep through the area. The rainfall is not expected to be significant, but even a quarter of an inch of rain would help matters.
Air Quality Alert
Air quality ranged from "moderate" to "very unhealthy" levels throughout the day on Saturday. An air quality alert remains in effect for the New York City area, including parts of the Hudson Valley, through all of Sunday. People should use caution when outside if they smell smoke and limit outdoor exercise, like running, until air quality improves.
Where are Fires Currently Burning?
As of Sunday morning, these are some of the areas with active wildfires:
- Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey (Bergen County)
- Pompton Lakes, New Jersey (Passaic County)
- West Milford, New Jersey (Passaic County) and Greenwood Lake, New York (Orange County)
- Jackson Township, New Jersey (Ocean County)
- Riverhead, New York (Suffolk County)
- Evesham and Voorhees townships, New Jersey (Burlington and Camden Counties)
- Glassboro, New Jersey (Gloucester County)
Containment Progress
New Jersey officials reported 75 percent containment of a 175-acre fire in the Pompton Lakes area of Passaic County that was threatening 55 homes, although no evacuations had been ordered. Progress was also reported on fires in the Bethany Run area on the border of Burlington and Camden counties in Evesham and Voorhees townships; a blaze along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood Cliffs in Bergen County; and the Pheasant Run wildfire in the Glassboro wildlife protection area of Gloucester County.
Arson Charges
Prosecutors in Ocean County on late Saturday afternoon announced arson and firearms charges in connection with a 350-acre Jackson Township fire that started Wednesday. They said it was sparked by magnesium shards from a shotgun round on the berm of a shooting range. Officials said firing that kind of “incendiary or tracer ammunition” was barred in the state. The majority of the blaze has been contained, officials reported Friday.
Conclusion
The tri-state area is dealing with a severe wildfire season, with multiple fires burning across New Jersey and New York. The loss of a young firefighter is a tragic reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by those fighting to protect our communities.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of the Jennings Creek Wildfire?
A: The fire has spread to at least 2,500 acres and has zero percent containment as of Saturday night.
Q: How many fires are currently burning across the tri-state?
A: There are at least six major wildfires burning across the Garden State.
Q: Is there a risk of more fires starting in the coming days?
A: Yes, the dry conditions are expected to continue, making it a high risk for more fires to start.
Q: What is being done to contain the fires?
A: Multiple agencies are involved in the firefight, including the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.
