NEW YORK (PIX11) -- A wildfire burning in New York and New Jersey will get "a little larger" in the coming days, New York fire officials said Monday.
In just a few days, the fire has burned 5,000 acres, or 7.8 square miles, across New York and New Jersey, according to Bryan Gallagher, a forest ranger with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The fire "blew up" Saturday after initially igniting in New York, Gallagher said.
By Monday morning, the fire was 20% contained. Before it's completely controlled, the fire is expected to grow due to heavy winds expected in the region Tuesday and containment efforts, Gallagher said.
Some 12 homes were voluntarily evacuated Sunday evening and the American Red Cross has set up a temporary relocation center at the Greenwood Lake Community Center, Orange County Emergency Services commissioner Pete Cirigliano said.
The blaze killed one teenage firefighter Saturday, Dariel Vasquez, who was a senior at Ramapo High School.
“It was a very emotional situation," said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. "The outpouring of support from the residents and businesses [has] been phenomenal."
Rain and changed wind patterns provided firefighters some breathing room, officials said Monday. Gallagher emphasized the "crucial" importance of safe fire practices in the coming days.
"We don’t need any more work right now,” Gallagher said. "We’re getting tired."
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.
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