Jennings Creek Wildfire: Firefighters making progress containing fire as smoke lingers

PASSAIC COUNTY, New Jersey (WABC) — Firefighters battling the Jennings Creek wildfire have made significant progress Friday, with containment efforts nearing 100%, according to officials.

New York State Park Police said Friday evening that burnout operations built on the progress from Thursday, and the wildfires — burning 5,201 acres — are now 88% contained.

The fire, which spans the border between New Jersey and New York, has been a joint effort, with crews from both states working together.

About 300 firefighters from six state agencies as well as dozens of volunteer fire companies were fighting the fire Friday, joined by 18 wildland firefighters from Montana and two from Colorado.

“This has been a huge win for us. We have brought in additional resources, including firefighters from Montana who will be here for the next two weeks assisting with operations,” a spokesman said.

New Jersey crews join the other crews from Montana on the New York side to conduct more controlled burns.

With winds shifting from the north, authorities are warning that smoke could affect areas including West Milford, Passaic County and Ringwood.

“Don’t be surprised if you smell heavy smoke over the next few days,” officials warned. “This will continue until we get significant rain or snow.”

A red flag warning has been issued for New Jersey and extreme fire danger is expected in the coming days.

“We urge everyone to follow restrictions and avoid activities that could trigger a wildfire,” the spokesman added.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and authorities from both states are working with law enforcement.

Officials stressed the importance of caution. “Even small things like discarded cigarettes or campfires can be sources of ignition,” 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 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 nationwide burning ban until November 30.

The ban prohibits starting outdoor fires nationwide for the purpose of disposing of brush and trash, 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 permitted, as are small contained cooking fires.

Around 400 employees 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 watching the weather closely,” a New Jersey official said.

The fire claimed the life of an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter, Dariel Vasquez.

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