Drought Warning in NJ as Jennings Creek fire continues to burn along NY border
Officials said the fire is 50% contained, marking significant progress over 24 hours
WARWICK, New York (WABC) -- The Jennings Creek Wildfire continued to grow along the New York-New Jersey border on Wednesday, but progress is being made to contain it.
Officials said Wednesday evening that 4,383 acres are on fire -- including 2,100 acres in New York and 2,283 in New Jersey.
However, significant progress has been made to quell the fire, with containment jumping from 30% to 50% by Wednesday night.
Officials say two residential structures are currently being threatened in New Jersey, but no evacuations have been ordered.
There has been no significant rain since September, creating very dry conditions and dry fallen leaves on the ground -- prompting New Jersey officials to issue a Drought Warning on Wednesday.
"New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented weather conditions-as a result of climate change-that require us to take these precautionary measures now," Governor Phil Murphy said. "It can be challenging to adjust our daily habits, but it is imperative that we all work together, heed the guidance to conserve water, and use the utmost caution outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfire as dry conditions continue statewide."
On the heels of Murphy's announcement of a drought warning, the largest water utility in the state has now issued a statewide mandatory conservation notice.
"We are dedicated to responsible water management and are prepared to support Governor Murphy and the NJ DEP's action to move New Jersey to Drought Warning status," said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. "Our customers can trust that we are closely tracking water conditions and are prepared to take additional measures to support statewide water preservation efforts. However, it is critical for everyone to work together and conserve water now."
New Jersey residents are urged to avoid outdoor fires and lighting fires in firepits, let lawns go dormant for the season, winterize irrigation systems, water flowers and shrubs only as necessary, fix leaky faucets, and upgrade showerheads to low-flow versions.
"Beneath the surface leaf litter that falls off the trees, that stuff is bone dry," Bryan Gallagher, a forest ranger with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, said at a media briefing. "So right now you get a little bit of rain that puts that surface fire out. But if it's in the duff it's going to stay there. It's going to smolder like a cigar until it gets dry enough and then that fire can pop up again."
The last New Jersey statewide Drought Emergency with mandatory water use restrictions began in March 2002 and lasted until January 2003. The last time there was a Drought Watch in the state was in 2022, beginning in August and it was lifted in December.
On Wednesday evening, Rockland County in New York issued a drought watch, encouraging residents to conserve water.
"Back in 2022 when this County was faced with a water emergency, the people of Rockland stepped up to do the right thing and cut back water usage 15 percent below average," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. "I am once again asking our residents to do their part and reduce water usage until we surpass this drought."
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the brush fire is one of 11 burning across the state and conditions remain dire. She issued a statewide burn ban until November 30.
"It is critical to avoid any outdoor burning at this time. Remember to report any fires immediately to authorities, stay alert, and monitor your local forecast and law enforcement alerts." she said.
New Jersey issued a burn ban in October.
The Jennings Creek fire started burning in Orange County, New York, and Passaic County, New Jersey over the weekend.
The fire claimed the life of an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter, Dariel Vasquez.
On Wednesday, officials said they were attacking the wildfire with hand crews, 30 structural engines, three water tankers and three dozers. They also deployed six helicopters and three drone teams, consisting of 40 fire departments, five EMS departments and two police departments on the New York Side.
There is also a large contingent of firefighters going into the forest on the New Jersey side.
The goal over the next two days is to extend existing fire lines that will ultimately contain the flames.
Officials said crews will continue "backburning" on Thursday from 32 Edgemere Ave. back behind Wah Ta Park and heading east toward Blue Lake.
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