Northeast United States — Firefighters battling relentless wildfires across the Northeast due to a historic autumn drought may soon find relief as a rainstorm is forecast to arrive midweek.
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Rain Expected to Bring Relief
The incoming rainstorm is predicted to sweep through the Northeast starting Wednesday evening, with the heaviest rainfall occurring from Northern New Jersey to upstate New York and New England through Friday. Weather models suggest 1 to 2 inches of rain, with the possibility of snow in western Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and parts of New England on Thursday and Friday.
Joe Pollina, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Upton, New York, expressed optimism about the precipitation aiding the fight against the Jennings Creek Fire, which spans the border of New York’s Orange County and New Jersey’s Passaic County.
“It definitely will help when it comes to the fire,” Pollina said.
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Fire Danger Remains High Until Rain Arrives
Before the rains arrive, critical fire conditions will persist. Gusty winds reaching up to 30 mph and relative humidity levels dropping to 35% on Monday exacerbate fire risks across the drought-stricken region.
Despite these challenges, Monday marked a slight reprieve, as no new red flag warnings were issued after nearly a week of widespread alerts.
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Jennings Creek Fire Continues to Burn
The Jennings Creek Fire has burned approximately 5,000 acres, prompting hundreds of voluntary evacuations over the weekend. Flames jumped containment lines near Greenwood Lake, threatening homes in the private beach community of Wah-ta-Wah Park. Fortunately, fire officials reported no structural damage following extensive efforts.
The fire remains under investigation, while the tragic loss of 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, a New York State Parks and Recreation employee, has added to the community’s sorrow. Vasquez lost his life earlier this month while aiding firefighting efforts.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff to honor Vasquez.
“Dariel was only 18 years old and had a truly bright future ahead of him that has now been unfairly taken away,” Hochul stated. “I commend his dedication to serving and protecting his fellow New Yorkers and his bravery on the front lines.”
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Drought’s Widespread Impact
The Northeast is enduring one of its driest autumns on record, with cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston reporting significantly below-average rainfall. Boston is experiencing its second driest fall season ever.
Above-average temperatures—5 to 10 degrees higher than normal—have further intensified the dry conditions, rapidly drying soils and flammable debris such as leaves.
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Northeast Wildfires Across the Region
Since October, New Jersey firefighters have battled at least 537 wildfires consuming 4,500 acres, while New York fire crews have tackled 60 wildfires, burning 2,100 acres.
The fire danger was particularly acute last week when red flag warnings blanketed much of New York and New Jersey. Wildfires even ignited within New York City, with blazes reported in Manhattan’s Inwood neighborhood and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
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FDNY Responds to Unprecedented Fire Activity
The New York Fire Department (FDNY) created its first-ever “brush fire task force” to address the surge in wildfires. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker revealed that the department responded to 271 brush fires in the first two weeks of November, marking the highest two-week total in city history.
As firefighters await much-needed rain, the Northeast remains on high alert, striving to mitigate the impact of this unprecedented wildfire outbreak.
