Firefighters make major strides in Jennings Creek wildfire containment as smoke lingers
PASSAIC COUNTY, New Jersey (WABC) -- Firefighters battling the Jennings Creek wildfire have made significant progress on Friday, with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service announcing containment efforts have stabilized 2,283 acres.
The wildfire is now 90% contained on the New Jersey side in Passaic County and 65% contained on the New York side in Orange County.
The fire, which spans the New Jersey-New York border, has been a joint effort, with crews from both states collaborating.
In New York, containment has reached 65% Friday, up from 30% earlier in the week, according to a lead New York official.
"It's been a huge win for us. We've brought in additional resources, including firefighters from Montana, who will be here for the next two weeks assisting with operations," a spokesperson said.
With winds shifting from the north, authorities warn that smoke may affect areas including West Milford, Passaic County, and Ringwood.
"Don't be surprised if you smell heavy smoke over the next few days," officials cautioned. "This will continue until we get significant rain or snow."
A red flag warning has been issued for New Jersey, with extreme fire danger expected in the coming days.
"We urge everyone to follow restrictions and avoid activities that could spark a wildfire," the spokesperson added.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities from both states working alongside police agencies.
Officials emphasized the importance of caution. "Even small things like discarded cigarettes or campfires can be ignition sources," they warned.
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 American Water, the largest water utility in the state, issued a statewide mandatory conservation notice.
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statewide burn ban until November 30.
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.
Approximately 400 personnel from over 40 agencies are currently working on the fire. Crews have faced challenges including steep terrain and unpredictable winds, but officials remain optimistic.
"We've got a good handle on it, but we're keeping a close watch on the weather," said a New Jersey official.
The fire claimed the life of an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter, Dariel Vasquez.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
