Emergency crews from New Jersey and New York join forces to combat the spread of wildfires | US News

Firefighters continue to battle a major wildfire spreading across New Jersey and New York as the number of wildfires increases across the northeastern United States.

Much of the region is in drought, and drought across most of the country has led to more frequent wildfires, with windy periods further exacerbating potential or existing fires.

The fire, known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire, has burned more than 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) as of Monday, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Department.

The wildfire departments of New Jersey and New York have joined forces to fight the wildfire. However, fire crews are reported to be understaffed as most teams are largely made up of volunteers.

Bill Donnelly, chief of the New Jersey Forest Fire Department, said extensive rainfall was needed to end the ongoing fire threat.

“New Jersey hasn’t seen anything this dry since we started tracking,” he told NorthJersey.com. “The fire not only burns on the earth, it also burns underground. So it’s very labor intensive to put out these fires.”

At least one person died as a result of the fire. Dariel Vasquez, a New York State Parks employee, died Saturday while helping firefighters. According to New York State Police, 18-year-old Vasquez was struck by a falling tree during the fire.

The East Ramapo Central School District told ABC News that Vasquez is a Class of 2024 graduate. A GoFundMe campaign was created in honor of the fallen volunteer and has so far raised more than $45,000.

Several homes and buildings in New York and New Jersey were at risk of fire damage. Although the fire caused many Veterans Day events to be postponed, no evacuations are currently taking place.

The forest fire brigade has agreed to remain on site. Fire engines and firefighting helicopters were used to further contain the fire.

The Jennings Creek wildfire is one of many fires that have broken out in the northeastern United States during an unusually warm and dry fall season. Smoke from these fires is degrading air quality from New York City to at least Philadelphia. Over the weekend, the smell of wildfire smoke was widespread, particularly in New York City, and was exacerbated by another fire in Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

People in affected areas are strongly advised to limit strenuous outdoor activities, especially the very young and very old and people with medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.