Firefighters make major strides in Jennings Creek wildfire as containment reaches 88%
PASSAIC COUNTY, New Jersey (WABC) -- Firefighters battling the Jennings Creek wildfire have made significant progress on Friday, with containment efforts getting closer to 100%, according to officials.
New York State Park Police said Friday evening that burnout operations built on the progress from Thursday, and wildfire -- burning 5,201 acres -- is now 88% contained.
The fire, which spans the New Jersey-New York border, has been a joint effort, with crews from both states collaborating.
Approximately 300 firefighters from six state agencies, as well as dozens of volunteer fire companies conducted suppression efforts on Friday, and were joined by 18 wildland firefighters from Montana and two from Colorado.
"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.
New Jersey crews are joining the other crews from Montana on the New York side to conduct more controlled burns.
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.
On Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said FEMA has opened the door to potential federal funding to cover some of the costs associated with fighting the Jennings Creek fire. The governor said 13 wildfires are currently burning more than 5,000 acres across the state.
She has 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.
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