An 18-year-old New York state employee lost his life fighting a wildfire in Orange County’s Sterling Forest, where dry conditions have fueled multiple wildfires.
An 18-year-old New York state employee was killed Saturday while battling a wildfire in Orange County’s Sterling Forest.
Dariel Vasquez, an aide with the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Department, was helping to control the forest fire when he tragically lost his life, state police reported in a statement. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of our New York State Parks employees while responding to a wildfire in Orange County yesterday,”
Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement on Sunday.
“My prayers go out to his family, friends, and coworkers during this difficult time.”
What has caused the wildfire surge in the Northeast?
Wildfires continued to burn Sunday evening as warm, dry conditions persisted across the Northeast, impacting approximately 11 million people under fire alerts. Some of these alerts began to expire early Sunday evening, as forecasters anticipated an approaching weather front that could bring light rain overnight to areas including New York City, the Lower Hudson Valley, and the New York-New Jersey Highlands.
How extensive are New York’s current wildfires?
Since October 1, New York state has seen 60 wildfires, consuming over 2,100 acres, according to state forest ranger Jeremy Oldroyd on Sunday.
Multiple fires are actively burning in Orange County, New York, with County Executive Steve Neuhaus noting the worsening conditions. In a video update posted to the county’s Facebook page, he said,
“The situation has gotten a lot more difficult. This was not on fire a half-hour ago.”
What measures are being taken in affected regions?
Neuhaus reported that he has requested state resources and coordinated with federal officials regarding the escalating situation in the Village of Greenwood Lake, located within the New York-New Jersey Highlands about 55 miles north of New York City.
The village, part of the Town of Warwick, issued a statement about voluntary evacuations for residents along a particular road, precautionary power shut-offs during a controlled burn, and single-lane restrictions for another road to manage traffic for residents.
How is New Jersey responding to the Jennings Creek Wildfire?
The fire has also impacted Passaic County, New Jersey, where it’s known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire. As of Sunday evening, the blaze had spread to 3,000 acres and was 10% contained, with its origin still under investigation. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said 25 structures were under threat from the fire by nightfall on Sunday.
When can the fire be fully contained?
New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly indicated that the fire is expected to continue until it reaches a designated control line.
“So we may not actually get this done today, possibly not even tomorrow, but hopefully by the end of the week we can secure our control lines and make sure the fire stays where we want it to,”
Donnelly stated Sunday afternoon.
