Jennings Creek Wildfire: Firefighters make strides with fire as smoke lingers

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

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

The fire, which spans the New Jersey-New York border, 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, led suppression efforts Friday, and were joined by 18 wildland firefighters from Montana and two from Colorado.

“It’s been a huge win for us. We have deployed additional resources, including firefighters from Montana, who will be here for the next two weeks to assist with operations,” a spokesperson said.

New Jersey crews are joining other Montana crews on the New York side to conduct more controlled burns.

With winds shifting from the north, authorities warn that smoke could affect areas such as West Milford, Passaic County and Ringwood.

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

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

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

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities from both states working with police agencies.

Officials stressed the importance of caution. “Even small things like discarded cigarettes or campfires can be sources of ignition,” they warned.

There hasn’t been any significant rain since September, creating very dry conditions and 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, has issued a mandatory conservation notice for the entire state.

On Friday, Governor 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 in the state.

She has issued a statewide burn ban until November 30.

The ban statewide prohibits the lighting of outdoor fires for clearing brush and debris, as well as unattended campfires, recreational fires and open fires used for cooking. Fire pits in the backyard and closed campfires with a height of less than one meter and a length, width or diameter of one meter are permitted, as well as small, enclosed cooking fires.

About 400 employees from more than 40 agencies are currently working on the fire. Crews have faced challenges, including steep terrain and unpredictable winds, but officials remain optimistic.

“We have a good handle on it, but we are 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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