A wildfire continues to threaten communities in the Northeast US, with dry conditions and windy weather fueling the flames. Firefighters in New York successfully evacuated over 160 homes from a wildfire near the New Jersey border using a voluntary evacuation plan. The blaze has burned across 7.5 square miles of land, primarily in New York’s Sterling Forest State Park.
The fire is 90% contained on the New Jersey side and 88% contained in Orange County, New York. A state of emergency was extended in Orange County, with helicopters dropping water to support ground crews’ efforts. Despite the evacuation, residents are being asked to continue sheltering until the fire is fully extinguished.
The wildfire is one of several burning across the region, including a 32-square-mile fire in California that has destroyed over 245 structures. New England communities experienced similar surge in late fall fires last year, and many parts of the Northeast remain under red flag alerts this weekend.
State officials warn of high fire danger risks in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and southern New Hampshire due to dry conditions and gusty winds. However, relief is expected as a “widespread soaking rain” is predicted for Thursday, bringing much-needed moisture to the region.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-new-york-new-jersey-jennings-00215fa5dcbfde4164924d486e363c2e