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The Jennings Creek wildfire, located on the New York-New Jersey border, continues to spread, now covering approximately 5,000 acres. As of Monday, the fire is only 20% contained, according to Bryan Gallagher, a forest ranger with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The fire has put at least 25 structures, including two homes and eight historical buildings, at risk in New Jersey, and 14 buildings at risk in Greenwood Lake, New York.
The wildfire has already claimed one life. Dariel Vasquez, an 18-year-old employee of the New York State Parks department, died while battling the fire when a tree fell on him. Vasquez was a recent graduate and baseball team captain at Ramapo High School.
Despite rainfall on Sunday, the fire's progress has not significantly slowed due to dry conditions and high winds. These conditions are expected to continue throughout the week, posing challenges for firefighting efforts. According to AOL News, half of the containment is in New York and the other half is in New Jersey.
The Jennings Creek fire is one of many wildfires that have broken out in New York and New Jersey since October 1, due to ongoing drought conditions. PIX11 reports that at least 60 fires have ignited in New York and another 537 fires have sparked in New Jersey during this period.