NJ Homes Threatened By Raging Wildfire, Red Flag Warnings Issued

NEW JERSEY — A wildfire that resulted in the death of a young firefighter has burned at least 3,500 acres in New York and New Jersey, and crews faced gusty winds Tuesday that hampered their firefighting efforts.

The Jennings Creek Wildfire has been burning since Saturday, and is still threatening two homes in West Milford along with eight buildings in Long Pond Ironworks Historic District.

Critical fire weather conditions are expected Tuesday due to strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuel on the ground.

"Crews will be met with significant challenges due to the forecasted weather," the state Forest Fire Service said. Rugged terrain has also slowed progress somewhat, as it is more difficult to get bulldozers and other equipment to some areas.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

All remaining New Jersey counties are under a Special Weather Statement for the enhanced risk of wildfire spread. Northwest winds could gust as high as 35 miles per hour Tuesday.

"Any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain," said the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Crews have been battling the massive Jennings Creek wildfire near Greenwood Lake Turnpike and East Shore Road in West Milford, and across state lines in Orange County, N.Y. As of the latest update Tuesday morning, it remains at 3,500 acres in New Jersey.

State Forest Fire officials will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. Tuesday, and provide another update via social media at 6:30 p.m.

The fire also comprises at least 2,500 acres in New York, and is 20 percent contained as of the latest update. It is threatening 14 buildings across state lines.

Officials said Ranger Dariel Vasquez, an 18-year-old member of the New York State Parks Wildland Fire Crew, was killed by a falling tree on Saturday in Greenwood Lake, N.Y.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Forest Protection and Fire Management are in unified command on the fire.

West Milford is under a local state of emergency, though no evacuations have been ordered. Crews have also been working near Route 511, as the fire has been spreading along the shore of Monksville Reservoir.

The nearby Long Pond Ironworks State Park is closed, as are all trails in the Ringwood Manor section of Ringwood State Park.

East Shore Road is closed from Awosting Road to Greenwood Lake Turnpike, and Beech Road is also closed.

Access to Forest Lake Drive, Lake Park Terrace, and East Shore Road will be restricted to residents only, officials said; these residents are asked to limit their trips.

The Forest Fire Service said that about a quarter-inch of rain fell across the fire overnight into Monday, allowing a brief respite for several crews who have been "working non-stop."

A helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water is at the scene, and Mayor Michele Dale said a State Police helicopter will be flying over the scene to get more information about the fire's spread.

Nearby residents can check the following Facebook pages for updates: Mayor Michele Dale, the West Milford Office of Emergency Management, the West Milford Fire Department, West Milford Police, and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.