'Worst natural disaster': No rain expected as Jennings Creek fire rages on
WARWICK, N.Y. (PIX11) – Firefighters battling the Jennings Creek wildfire got a little relief from rain on Monday, but that's the last time wet weather will be in the forecast until next week.
The fire is anticipated to burn at least 5,000 acres by the time it's fully contained – roughly half in New York, where it started, and the other half in New Jersey. Fire crews will have an uphill battle on Tuesday navigating high winds and rough and rugged terrain.
Firefighters have managed to prevent any structural damage, but 12 homeowners in New York voluntarily evacuated and 10 structures remain threatened in New Jersey.
"Let's make no mistake – this is one of the worst natural disasters the town of Warwick has seen in many, many years," said Jesse Dwyer, the Warwick town supervisor. "And if things turn south, the threat to life and the threat to property could really take a turn for the worst."
At least six New Jersey Forest Fire Service helicopters are on the scene and can drop 350 gallons of water each.
"It’s gonna smolder like a cigar until it gets dry enough and then that fire can pop up again," said New York incident commander Brian Gallagher.
For more information on tracking the wildfires, click here.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.