Crews make progress on Jennings Creek Wildfire using controlled burns; containment at 75% in NJ
WARWICK, New York (WABC) -- The Jennings Creek Wildfire continued to grow along the New York-New Jersey border on Thursday, but progress is being made to contain it through controlled burns.
Officials on Thursday evening said that on the New Jersey side, 2,283 acres were burning, and containment had reached 75%.
It's wasn't clear the amount of acreage that was burning, or what the containment level was on the New York side, but officials said the terrain in Orange County has proved to be more challenging.
On Thursday, first responders spent the day using more fire to fight the fire. Fires are being intentionally set to burn up dried leaves and brush so if the wildfire reaches it, there will be no fuel left to help it spread.
The controlled burn was taking place on Edgemere Road on the edge of Greenwood Lake. Firefighters said they were pleased with their progress.
Due to the fire, there was no school in the Greenwood Lake Union Free School District Thursday and Friday.
Firefighting activities, including backburning, will create additional smoke in the area.
The district has just two schools, an elementary and middle school. Decisions about next week will be made over the weekend.
For high school, students choose to go to Chester Academy or Warwick High School. Those school districts are open, but the Greenwood district will not be providing transportation to those high schools for the rest of the week.
Also, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus declared a localized state of emergency.
In New Jersey, officials say no residential structures are currently being threatened, an 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 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."
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 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.
The ban prohibits the starting of outdoor fires statewide for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as uncontained campfires, recreational fires and open fires used for cooking. Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires.
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.
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