Jennings Creek fire erupts, spreading rapidly in challenging terrain for emergency responders.
The Jennings Creek fire, spanning 5,000 acres on the New York-New Jersey border, is being exacerbated by high winds reaching up to 35 miles per hour. The dry conditions in the region are fueling the fire, which started in Orange County, New York, before spreading into Passaic County, New Jersey. Emergency vehicles are facing challenges accessing some rugged areas, with the fire being only 10 percent contained in both states as of Tuesday afternoon.
Despite the fire’s rapid spread, no evacuation orders have been issued, and there have been no reports of structural damage. The cause of the fire, which tragically resulted in the death of a New York State parks system employee, is still under investigation. The blaze primarily affects a state park near the Appalachian Trail and the border between the two states.
In response to the fire risk, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has implemented a statewide burn ban until November 30, prohibiting outdoor fires and discouraging grill usage. Mayor Eric Adams of New York City also recently banned grilling in public parks following a fire in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. The National Weather Service issued a red flag alert for parts of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, warning of dropping humidity levels and increasing winds, urging caution with potential fire sources like cigarettes and grills.
The Jennings Creek fire poses a significant threat due to the prevailing weather conditions and the dry vegetation in the area. Authorities are urging residents to adhere to the burn ban and exercise caution to prevent further fire incidents. Stay informed about updates on the fire’s containment efforts and any additional safety measures that may be implemented in the affected regions.
Source: The NY Times
