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While the Jennings Creek Wildfire was 90% under control in New Jersey last Friday, Nov. 15, flames continued to rage over the weekend in New York's Sterling Forest Fire, forcing some residents to evacuate their homes around Greenwood Lake Saturday night, Nov. 16.
"The voluntary evacuations were put in place to allow emergency apparatus and firefighters to operate uninterrupted while preventing any further spread of the wildfire," the Village of Greenwood Lake said in an update.
"According to Fire Services, 'while the fire breached a containment line, it has not reached the contingency line, and no structures are in danger' thanks to the staging and hard work of our local and regional firefighters."
Meanwhile, North Jersey residents are urged to remain vigilant as weather conditions pose an increased wildfire risk on Sunday. The US National Weather Service New York NY has issued a Special Weather Statement for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union counties.
Northwest winds of 5 to 15 mph combined with low humidity levels of 20 to 30 percent create conditions ripe for fire spread. Stage 3 Fire Restrictions are in effect statewide.
Residents in Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes, Midland Park, New Milford, Dumont, Hackensack, Maywood, Rochelle Park, Ridgefield, Little Ferry, and Kearny reported a blanket of smoke covering their towns Sunday morning.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution, avoid outdoor burning, and report any signs of wildfire activity immediately.
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