Wildfires threaten NY, NJ amid drought watch
NEW YORK (PIX11) – A very dry October has created hazardous conditions across the tri-state area.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service battled a massive fire, known as the Shotgun Wildfire , in Ocean County near Six Flags Great Adventure. The flames, which have burned across 175 acres, were only 20% contained as of Thursday morning.
Drought watch declared in NYC as October sees record dry spell
Several homes were asked to evacuate and 25 structures in Jackson Township were threatened by the fire, according to officials. Forest fire crews surrounded the blaze on the ground with fire engines and bulldozers.
A fire ban was issued in New Jersey due to the dry brush. The ban, in parts of the Garden State, prohibited all fires unless using an elevated stove — no wood or charcoal fires or use of kerosene were allowed.
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The New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded to more than 500 incidents in October. The next several days are concerning as wind gusts are expected to exceed 20mph, along with very low humidity forecasted, officials said.
In New York City, a brush fire broke out at Staten Island's Brookfield Park on Wednesday. Over 100 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to the second-alarm fire, which was put under control after 6 p.m., according to the FDNY.
The dry weather combined with the record temperatures across the tri-state has contributed to a higher fire risk, officials said.
No injuries have been reported in both fires.
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 .
