Gusty winds made Jennings Creek’s wildfire in the New York border area on Saturday so unpredictable that officials issued a voluntary evacuation for what they estimated to be 165 homes in Warwick, N.Y. “Just being overly cautious at this point,” is what Jeff Wernick, a spokesperson for the New York Parks Department, described it as, as emergency crews labored, trying to contain the flames.
By Friday, the New Jersey side of the fire was said to be 90 percent contained, and the blaze in Orange County, New York, was 70 percent contained. However, gusty winds opened breaches in containment lines, raising concern that it could spread to endangers residential areas, including the Wah Ta Wah Park neighborhood.
New York Army National Guard helicopters had dropped more than 21,000 gallons of water, while New York State Police helicopters added nearly 900 gallons to control the flames. Still, officials said that complete containment will require a good soaking of rainfall, which might not arrive until Wednesday night, according to weather forecasts.
Residents in those neighborhoods were relocated to the Greenwood Lake Middle School for safe shelter. Elders and residents with disabilities were given access for ease of access by firemen, he said.
The fire that covers over 7.5 miles in two different states affects primarily Sterling Forest State Park. The visitors’ center and lakefront are accessible but woodland activities are not being allowed, such as hunting,
The wildfire has claimed one life—18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, a state park wildland fire crew member who died after being struck by a falling tree while battling the flames. Vasquez, remembered as a dedicated student and athlete, had recently graduated from East Ramapo Central School District.
State police drones are assisting in the air reconnaissance operation, and firefighters continue to work to contain the fire. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation, and officials are committed to keeping communities safe while paying respect to Vasquez’s memory.
Residents with specific needs to safely evacuate should contact their local police department.
To Read More: Global