By Gauri Patel
Staff Writer
Fire crews have battled numerous wildfires across both the east and west coasts of the United States. While wildfires are a familiar challenge in California, the recent outbreaks in the northeast have sparked concerns about shifting wildfire patterns and the readiness of regions that typically do not face such threats.
In New Jersey, hundreds of wildfires broke out during one of the driest periods on record, in terms of rainfall. According to Reuters, the Jennings Creek Wildfire burned 5,000 acres along the New York/New Jersey border and threatened two residential structures. The fire has been fully contained as of Nov. 22, according to a statement from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The blaze claimed the life of an 18-year-old New York State Parks worker, Dariel Vasquez, as he fought a fire near Greenwood Lake.
A historic drought has exacerbated the wildfire risk in the region. The U.S. Drought Monitor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln reported that the majority of counties in southern New Jersey are experiencing extreme drought conditions, while the remainder of the state faces severe to moderate drought, as of Nov. 27.
Rainfall briefly provided relief overnight on Nov. 11, but fire officials warned it would not meaningfully alleviate the drought or significantly reduce the fire risk.
States including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island implemented Red Flag warnings to mitigate risks, including bans on debris burning and outdoor grilling in certain areas, according to Reuters. However, the region continues to struggle with dry conditions and occasional human-caused issues, like arson, making the situation more challenging.
According to CBS News, a 14-year-old boy faces charges of aggravated arson for allegedly starting a wildfire. The fire was ignited on Oct. 30 in Evesham Township in New Jersey and burned through 52 acres over several days, though no structures were damaged, according to Evesham Police. According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the fire was 90% contained as of Nov. 8.
According to The New York Times, New Jersey has faced 306 wildfires since Oct. 20, a significant increase from around 28 during the same period last year. Similarly, Connecticut has battled nearly 150 wildfires in the past month, compared to just five last year.
On Nov. 13, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a drought warning and requested people to take voluntary water conservation steps, stopping short of mandatory water usage restrictions, which would be the highest alert the government can impose.
“New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented weather conditions — as a result of climate change — that require us to take these precautionary measures now,” said Gov. Murphy. “It can be challenging to adjust our daily habits, but it is imperative that we all work together, heed the guidance to conserve water, and use the utmost caution outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfire as dry conditions continue statewide.”
Meanwhile, California continues to grapple with its longstanding wildfire crisis.
The Mountain Fire in Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles, has burned over 32 square miles, destroying at least 245 structures and displacing thousands of residents, according to The Associated Press. Although firefighters have achieved 95% containment as of Nov. 17 thanks to diminishing winds and cooler weather conditions, dry Santa Ana winds continue to pose a threat.
Over the course of five hours on Nov. 13, the fire quickly grew from less than half a square mile to over 16 square miles.
Thousands of residents faced evacuation orders, as the fire posed a threat to about 3,500 structures, according to The Associated Press. While many have been allowed to return as red flag warnings lifted, thousands of homes remain under evacuation.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Ventura County. The cause of the Mountain Fire remains under investigation.
As the fires are brought under control, the focus now turns to addressing the root causes to mitigate future wildfire risks.
