The National Weather Service warned Sunday that dry weather conditions, relative humidity and winds “will contribute to an elevated risk of fire spread and ignition” Sunday in parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Areas that fall under this warning include New York City, Long Island, northeastern New Jersey and southern Connecticut, according to the weather service.
A statewide burn ban has been implemented for New York until Nov. 30, while burning is strongly discouraged in New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts, per the weather service.
“Use extra caution when handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery or matches, and ensure to properly extinguish or dispose cigarette butts,” the weather service warned.
Around 42 million people were under red flag warnings across the Northeast Saturday, including Philadelphia, New York City, Hartford and Boston. Red flag warnings indicate an increased risk of fire danger due to warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds.
The Jennings Creek Wildfire, burning in Orange County, New York, has burned over 5,200 acres and is 88% contained as of 9 am ET Sunday, according to New York State Park Police. The same fire is also burning in Passaic County, New Jersey, and has burned more than 2,280 acres, and is 90% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in an update Friday.
On Saturday, wind caused the fire to spread into the town of Warwick in Orange County, prompting a voluntary evacuation for 35 homes, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Almost 22,000 gallons of water were dropped onto the ground via helicopters by the New York Army National Guard and the New York State Police Saturday in an effort to fight the fire.
The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) announced the creation of its first brush fire task force Sunday “in response to the historic increase in brush fires” around the city.
“The task force will help ensure rapid and effective responses to brush fires, conduct comprehensive investigations to help determine the cause and origin of each fire, and enhance data and information sharing to prevent fires from occurring,” the FDNY said.
In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy issued a drought warning earlier this week in an effort to urge residents to reduce water use. The state is experiencing its driest conditions in nearly 120 years.
A little more than 58% of the Northeast is experiencing moderate drought or worse, according to the US Drought Monitor.
Kathryn Prociv and Yasmeen Persaud contributed.