N.J.-N.Y. wildfire 90% contained

Fire suppression work on the Jennings Creek Fire in Sterling Forest State Park appears to be nearing the end, Warwick, N.Y., Town Supervisor Jesse Dwyer said Tuesday morning, Nov. 19.

“Fire crews will be winding down operations to reduce the overall footprint within the community. However, interior fire crews will continue working around the clock to identify any hot spots within the containment zone and they will continue doing this for at least another week or until we are all 100% confident the fire has been extinguished,” Dwyer said.

On Saturday night, Nov. 16, Warwick town officials issued a voluntary evacuation for residents of more than 160 homes. That was rescinded Tuesday morning.

Greenwood Lake, N.Y., schools reopened Tuesday after being closed for three days. The middle school was used as an evacuation site Saturday.

Rain was forecast early Thursday. That could cause sediment runoff and make travel dangerous, Dwyer said.

No structures have been damaged during the fire.

“The fact that we lost zero structures in this event is a true miracle. This is a testament to the hard work, skill and dedication of our local fire departments as well as regional partners and the state park service,” he said.

On Monday morning, Nov. 18, the New York State Park Police said the fire was considered 88% contained and had burned 5,304 acres. By Tuesday, the estimated containment was at 90% with no additional acreage burned.

Officials had declared the fire 90 percent contained in New Jersey on Friday, Nov. 15. It has burned more than 2,280 acres in the state.

Answering the call

First-responders from throughout the region were called in to help with the wildfire. There also were 18 wildland firefighters from Montana and two from Colorado.

Residents and students also collected supplies for those fighting the fires.

Sixth-grade students at Macopin Middle School in West Milford collected donations of eye drops, coffee, hot beverage cups, jerky, Uncrustables, chapstick, cookies, water and granola bars.

“Enough items were collected to donate to three separate companies battling the wildfires,” said Kelley Visaggio, who teaches two classes in character education.

The donations were delivered to West Milford Volunteer Fire Company #4, the North Jersey Fire Canteen and the Greenwood Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

Students at Wantage Elementary School worked with the Sussex Fire Department to offer support to members of Fire Company #4.

Students and school staff donated goodie bags with snacks and letters from third-, fourth- and fifth-graders.

“We are so proud to contribute to the safety and well-being of the heroes at Fire Company 4,” said Bekki Schnetzer, a fourth-grade teacher. “Our hope is that this small gesture brings encouragement and reminds them of the community behind them every step of the way.”

Two members of the Vernon Emergency Medical Services (VEMS) Special Operations Division brought a UTV to West Milford on Saturday, Nov. 9 to provide medical support to first-responders working in the field.

Chief Operations Officer Kevin Duffy said Deputy Chief Kaylee Mueller, Capt. Michael Griffin and Special Operations Coordinator Tyler Ukleya made sure that the request for help was fulfilled while maintaining adequate emergency medical service coverage for Vernon.

“I am extremely proud of our Special Operations Division for their swift and effective response to this critical situation,” Duffy said. “Their professionalism and dedication to supporting other agencies, even on short notice, exemplify the values that make VEMS one of the most respected agencies in our area.”