The National Weather Service issued a warning on Sunday about increased fire risks due to dry weather, low humidity, and winds in parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Areas under this warning include New York City, Long Island, northeastern New Jersey, and southern Connecticut.
In response, New York has implemented a statewide burn ban effective until November 30. Burning is also strongly discouraged in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The weather service advises exercising caution with potential ignition sources like machinery or matches and ensuring cigarette butts are properly extinguished or disposed of.
On Sunday, the National Weather Service did not issue any red flag warnings in the Northeast due to lighter winds. However, on Saturday, approximately 42 million people were under red flag warnings in the region, including areas like Philadelphia, New York City, Hartford, and Boston. These warnings indicate an increased risk of fire danger due to warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds. The Jennings Creek Wildfire has burned over 5,200 acres in Orange County, New York, and was 88% contained as of 9 a.m.
ET Sunday, according to the New York State Park Police. In Passaic County, New Jersey, the same fire has consumed more than 2,280 acres and was reported to be 90% contained by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service as of Friday. On Saturday, strong winds caused the fire to spread into Warwick in Orange County, leading to a voluntary evacuation for 35 homes as reported by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.