State officials have warned about the danger of wildfires in the northeast United States due to adverse weather conditions and an increase in dry fuels in the region. In southern New Hampshire, the risk of fires has significantly increased, with conditions considered 'very high,' according to authorities. The Maine Forest Service has also reported high-risk conditions in the southern part of the state.
Wildfire incidents have been a concern in several New England states, leading to red flag warnings for wildfires over the weekend. In Massachusetts, for example, around 200 fires have been reported compared to an average of 15 fires during the month of October.
In a tragic event, a young New York parks employee lost his life while fighting a fire in Sterling Forest. The death occurred when a tree fell on him on November 9.
In West Milford, New Jersey, winds fueled a wildfire that forced authorities to implement a voluntary evacuation for about 165 homes in Warwick, New York. This measure was taken as an additional precaution due to the rapid spread of the Jennings Creek fire, which has affected areas near the border between New York and New Jersey.
The fire, which has burned a considerable area in both states, was 90% contained on the Passaic County, New Jersey side and about 70% contained in Orange County, New York. However, conditions were expected to worsen with stronger winds forecasted for the weekend.
To combat the flames, a joint effort was made with New York National Guard helicopters dropping thousands of gallons of water over the affected area. Despite the magnitude of the fire, authorities have managed to protect important facilities in Sterling Forest State Park while continuing to closely monitor the situation and hoping for rain to help control the spread of the fire.
