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Track fires burning near the NJ-NY border
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Track fires burning near the NJ-NY border


Approximately 20% of a wildfire that destroyed thousands of acres has been contained. Forecasters are warning of increased risk of spread on Tuesday.

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A. forest fire A drought-fuelled fire near the New Jersey-New York border killed an 18-year-old volunteer firefighter, burned thousands of acres, and forecasters warned Tuesday of the increased risk of spread.

according to New Jersey Forest Fire Service, Jennings Creek Wildfire in West Milford, New Jersey burned 3,500 acres and killed 20Contains %. The fire is burning in Passaic County, New Jersey, and Orange County, New York, about 60 miles southeast of Manhattan.

NorthJersey.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that the fire, which was spotted Saturday, spread to Orange County the same night.

Dariel Vasquez (18), volunteer firefighter when the Wildland Fire Crew was killed by a falling tree Saturday night, NorthJersey.com reported. He was fighting a fire on the border of New Jersey and New York.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the 18-year-old Park Service volunteer who died in a fire today.” Warwick Township, New YorkMention on Facebook to post.

His death is being investigated by the New York State Police.

USA TODAY contacted the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regarding the fire.

Increased risk of spread Tuesday: National Weather Service

National Weather Service forecasters warn there is a high risk the fire will continue to spread further Tuesday due to strong winds and low humidity levels.

Forecasters in New York said 35 mph winds and humidity levels between 30 and 40 percent “will support the spread of ignited fires.” Special Weather Notification Monday afternoon.

The National Weather Service strongly discourages people in the area from lighting fires outdoors and warns people to properly dispose of potential wildfire fuel, including cigarette butts.

New Jersey/New York wildfire map

What caused the fire?

The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Rain is breathtaking

The area received approximately 0.25 inches of rain between Sunday night and early Monday morning, according to the department. This allowed firefighters to contain some of the fire; This situation has been exacerbated by the drought the region is facing.

Meteorologist James Tomasini says the rain comes at a time when the region is seeing its driest fall season in recorded history. National Weather Service, NWS, New York NYhe told USA TODAY.

“We’re fine Alright It is below average in terms of rainfall,” Tomasini said.

From September 1 to November 10, Newark, New Jersey, 40 miles southeast of Passaic County, received a total of 0.96 inches of precipitation.

Newark normally gets an average of 3.79 inches of rain in October alone, according to Tomasini.

“This is the lowest rainfall we have seen in the fall so far,” the meteorologist said.

Only a “trace” of rain fell in the city in October, not enough to be measurable, making it the driest October in history and the driest month the region has experienced in recorded history.

windy conditions

While the area experienced wind gusts of 10 to 20 mph, light rain and high humidity levels experienced in the area overnight into Monday made conditions less favorable for the fire to spread, Tomasini said.

Smoke can be seen from space

Smoke from the fire was visible from space, according to a post published Saturday. NWS New York NY X account.

“From space we can see a wildfire along the NJ/NY border. @NOAASatellites“Some of this smoke/haze can be seen further south (New York City).”

Air quality alerts were issued over the weekend due to smoke from the flames, according to Tomasini. But as of 12 a.m. ET on Monday, none are in effect.

Julia is USA TODAY’s trends reporter. You can connect with it LinkedInfollow him x, formerly known as Twitter instagram And tiktok: @juliamariegz or email her at [email protected]

Credit: Michael Loria, USA TODAY

(This story has been updated to add new information.)