Large fire on the New York-New Jersey border, hundreds evacuated
Over 5,000 acres of forest are burning on the border of New York and New Jersey. Firefighters are battling the blaze, which has forced the evacuation of more than 160 homes in Orange County.
Photo: pixabay.com
The wildfire, known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire, broke containment lines along the New York-New Jersey border late Saturday night, forcing more than 160 families to leave their homes, according to the New York State Park Police.
Voluntary evacuations have allowed firefighters to focus on combating the blaze without putting residents at risk. The evacuation is expected to last through Monday, according to officials in Warwick.
Local and regional fire teams have successfully prevented damage to structures. "At the moment, everything is under control," said Warwick Supervisor Jesse Dwyer. Authorities extended the state of emergency in Orange County, urging residents to stay indoors.
The fire began on November 8 and has already consumed over 5,000 acres. It is now 90% contained, but a breakout required immediate action, including the deployment of National Guard helicopters for firefighting efforts.
Authorities have set up a temporary shelter in a local school, where evacuees have brought their valuables and documents.
The situation is exacerbated by dry weather conditions caused by an ongoing drought. Meteorologists predict rain, which could aid in firefighting, will not arrive until Thursday. A ban on open fires remains in effect in New Jersey and southeastern New York until the end of November.
Amid the rising number of wildfires in the region, the New York Fire Department has established a special unit to combat such threats, utilizing drones and inspections.
Earlier, it was reported that a tropical storm named Sara shifted course, threatening lives and disrupting vacations across Central America with floods and severe weather.
It was also reported that a major wildfire near the Spain-Portugal border forced the evacuation of over 1,000 people and claimed one life.