NYC Wildfire Emergency: 160 Homes Evacuated!

A wildfire on the New York/New Jersey border has broken containment lines, leading to the evacuation of over 160 homes. The Jennings Creek Wildfire, which started on November 8th and has burned over 5,000 acres, is approximately 90% contained but remains a significant threat. The evacuation is a precautionary measure to allow firefighters to focus on containment efforts.

Ongoing Efforts and Challenges

Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze, using water dropped from New York Air National Guard helicopters. While no structures are currently in danger, the situation remains precarious. The challenging weather conditions, including a lack of rain, are hindering suppression efforts. The National Weather Service has issued a special statement warning of an elevated wildfire risk in several New Jersey counties.

NYC Brush Fire Concerns

The wildfire comes amidst a surge in brush fires across New York City. The FDNY has responded to a record-breaking number of brush fires, prompting the formation of a dedicated brush fire task force. This increase is being exacerbated by ongoing drought conditions across the region. Recent incidents near Amtrak tracks in the Bronx even caused service disruptions.

Drought and Prevention

The ongoing drought, stretching from Virginia to Massachusetts, significantly contributes to the heightened fire risk. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has banned outdoor burning to mitigate the danger. The FDNY is also implementing a city-wide safety outreach program to reduce the occurrence of brush fires.