Crews on both sides of the U.S. coast continue to battle wildfires as one turned deadly in New York and New Jersey. Officials said a tree fell on an 18-year-old park employee, killing him on Sunday, Nov. 10.
New York state officials said while they do all they can to protect themselves, there are always dangers.
“Wildland firefighting is a very dangerous profession, and we try to take as many precautions as we can to mitigate some of the hazards that are out there in the wild land fire environment, but occasionally, accidents do happen. Unfortunately, one of our firefighters did pass away yesterday assisting with fire line construction,” Jeremy Oldroyd from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said.
Oldroyd offered his condolences to the victim’s loved ones.
Meanwhile, New Jersey officials said on Sunday that the Jennings Creek Fire, located on the border between New York and New Jersey, threatened more than two dozen structures and was only 10% contained.
However, New Jersey firefighters did make progress on the 175-acre Cannonball 3 Fire in the northeastern portion of the state, reaching 100% containment.
Additionally, New Jersey prosecutors announced arson charges in connection with the Jackson Township Fire that started on Wednesday, Nov. 7. They said a shotgun round with magnesium shards sparked the 350-acre fire. New Jersey authorities say that firing an “incendiary or tracer ammunition” is barred in the state.
As a result of the smoke from the fires, New Jersey and New York officials issued health advisories for at-risk populations and urged many to stay indoors or avoid strenuous activity.
On the West Coast, in California, firefighters are making progress against the Mountain Fire northwest of Los Angeles.
The fire has forced thousands of Californians to evacuate their homes, and more than 130 structures have been destroyed by the fire fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. The fire was at 32 square miles on Sunday as it continues to threaten Ventura County communities.
