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Firefighters combat wildfires in New York, New Jersey, and Southern California amid fatalities and widespread destruction

November 11, 2024

Wildfire impacts in New York and New Jersey

Firefighters across the United States continued their efforts on Sunday to control major wildfires burning on both coasts.

According to AP News, a fire near the New York and New Jersey border tragically resulted in the death of Dariel Vasquez, an 18-year-old state parks employee, who was killed when a tree fell on him as he worked to combat a brush fire in Sterling Forest, Greenwood Lake, New York.

The Jennings Creek Wildfire, as it has been named, spans 4.7 square miles (12 square kilometers) and threatens at least 25 structures, including two homes in New Jersey.

The fire reached 10% containment as of Sunday night.

Health warnings were issued for New York City and northeastern New Jersey, advising residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activities due to smoke from the fires.

Those especially affected by poor air quality include young children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.

Southern California’s Mountain Fire forces evacuations

In Southern California, firefighters are working to contain the Mountain Fire, which broke out northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County on Wednesday.

Dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds fueled its rapid spread to 32 square miles (83 square kilometers).

Authorities reported that containment reached 26% as of Sunday, an increase from the previous day’s 21%.

Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate due to the fire’s threat to communities, critical infrastructure, and highways.

Cal Fire reported: “The fire continues to creep and smolder in steep rugged terrain. Threats remain to critical infrastructure, highways, and communities.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation as containment efforts continue.

Additional fires reported in New Jersey and Massachusetts

New Jersey faced multiple fires over the weekend.

In Passaic County’s Pompton Lakes, officials reported 75% containment of a 175-acre (70-hectare) fire threatening 55 homes.

Although no evacuations were necessary, firefighters remained vigilant.

In Ocean County, authorities confirmed that arson was the cause of a 350-acre (142-hectare) fire in Jackson Township, sparked by magnesium shards from a shotgun round.

Authorities had previously prohibited the use of incendiary ammunition in the state.

In Massachusetts, wildfires fueled by dry leaves and strong winds burned hundreds of acres in the Lynn Woods Reservation, a municipal park north of Boston.

Lynn Fire Department Chief Dan Sullivan said over 400 acres of the park were affected.

Sullivan remarked on the conditions: “We have had over 400 acres of the woods that have burned so far. We believe we have the fire contained using the main fire roads.”

Precautions and community warnings

Fire officials emphasized the dangers posed by wildfires and encouraged the public to remain cautious.

Lynn Fire Chief Sullivan urged residents to avoid recently burned areas in Lynn Woods due to hazardous conditions, adding: “There are far too many weakened trees, and we don’t want the public to get injured.”

Jeremy Oldroyd, a forest ranger in New York, also reflected on the risks of wildland firefighting, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of fires.

With firefighting crews stretched across multiple states, efforts remain focused on protecting lives and minimizing further structural damage.

As containment progresses, officials continue to monitor weather conditions that could impact firefighting efforts.

Firefighters battle wildfires in New York, New Jersey, and Southern California amid fatalities and destruction: Summary

Wildfires across the United States have left one fatality and damaged or destroyed numerous structures as firefighters contend with challenging conditions.

The Mountain Fire in Ventura County, California, spans 32 square miles, prompting evacuations as containment reached 26%.

In New York and New Jersey, an 18-year-old firefighter, Dariel Vasquez, died while fighting the Jennings Creek Wildfire, which threatens structures along the state border.

New Jersey and Massachusetts also reported active fires amid high wind conditions.

Health advisories warn residents in affected areas to limit outdoor activities due to smoke.

Fire officials caution residents to avoid hazardous zones near burn sites while fire crews continue to work toward containment across multiple states.

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