Jennings Creek wildfire now nearly 90 percent contained
WARWICK, New York (WABC) -- The Jennings Creek wildfire is now nearly 90 percent contained, providing some relief for families who, just over 24 hours ago, were worried about the fate of their homes.
Firefighters say a voluntary evacuation helped them protect more than 160 homes.
However, the fire remains disruptive to daily life with smoke drifting into neighboring communities and schools once again closed in Greenwood lake on Monday.
Smoke was rising from fire lines along Sterling Mountain on Sunday night and firefighters are desperately trying to prevent another setback.
"It's just so dry and there's so much fuel on the ground to burn these forest fires. It's very difficult for us to get them during nighttime. So during the day we have to do everything we can to pound this fire, push it back," said Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus.
During the day on Sunday, crews made headway with less wind. Helicopters were key, scooping up lake water to drop on the flames.
The Greenwood Lake Community is filled with messages of support for the hardworking first responders
"I can say very confidently that at no time houses were in danger, or life. Again, the evacuation up there was strictly to give the firefighters the ability to move around. It's very, very tight up there," said Greenwood Lake Mayor Tom Howley.
Residents can stay at the local middle school if they need to, but some rain is finally expected this week.
On Sunday night, there were more controlled fire lines to protect the homes.
"And then when the fire comes to it, it's a fire line. So that's what the line is doing. The fire wants to go further, but the fuel is exhausted," Neuhaus added.
Including the planned burnout operation, the fire has now consumed about 5,300 acres.
New York State Forest Rangers continue to lead the effort here with firefighters from all over New York and New Jersey and a wild-land firefighting team from Montana.
The voluntary evacuation zone will remain in effect until at least Monday.
Neil Guerriero is staying at an Airbnb for the month of November while his house across the lake is being renovated. He says he thought about leaving.
"I have a bag packed - we all have a bag packed just in case," Guerriero says.
Most of Sunday, from up above, crews scooped up and dumped gallons of water on the area where the burnout operation unfolded.
At this point, no structures are in danger.
"Friday night I didn't sleep, because they did back burns by my house. It was very, very scary," said New Jersey resident Michele Schrekenstein.
The strategy behind fighting these fires is fascinating - especially when it comes to houses on the lake.
"It's kind of a waiting game because it's safer to let it come to you than climb this terrain and try to extinguish it in the middle of things," adds Rogers.
On Friday, the wildfire was 90% contained on the Passaic County, New Jersey, side of the border, and about 70% contained in Orange County, New York, officials said. Officials say gusty winds played a role.
"We certainly hope and believe that these homes will not be impacted by the fire but our main priority now is getting fire apparatus into the neighborhoods that could be affected by this fire and it would be much easier for these firefighters to work and for us to feel at peace knowing that these residents have left already," Jesse Dwyer, Town of Warwick Supervisor, said.
Firefighters will need as much space as possible to fight this wildfire. First responders are on hand to help evacuate the elderly and those with disabilities.
Residents are asked to contact the Warwick Police Department at 845-986-5000 or the Greenwood Lake Police Dept if special requests or assistance is needed in evacuating.
Concerns that wind could cause the fire to spread and threaten structures.
On Saturday, Wernick said New York Army National Guard helicopters dropped 21,000 gallons (79,493 liters) of water and a New York State Police helicopter dropped nearly 900 gallons (3,406 liters).
The fire was burning primarily in Sterling Forest State Park, where the visitor center, the lakefront area at Greenwood Lake and historic furnace area remained open but woodland activities including hunting were halted, Wernick said, noting residences around the lake have not been impacted.
New York State Police are assisting the Town of Warwick Police with the voluntary evacuation and the State Police Drone Unit is on scene providing aerial assessments.
The fire claimed the life of an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter, Dariel Vasquez.
A wake for Vasquez will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday in Garnerville.
The funeral mass is set for 10:00 a.m. Monday at St. Peter's Church in Haverstraw.
Vasquez was a state park wildland fire crew member who was killed while fighting the Jennings Creek wildfire last Saturday.
Vasquez was a 2024 East Ramapo Central School District graduate, remembered as a dedicated student, gifted athlete and a leader among his classmates and teammates.
The fire's cause remains under investigation.
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Some information from the Associated Press
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