Tragedy Strikes Young Volunteer as Wildfires Rage Across Drought-Stricken Northeast

An 18-year-old New York State Forest Ranger volunteer died Saturday while responding to a wildfire near the New York-New Jersey border, as ongoing drought conditions fuel multiple fires across the Northeast. Dariel Vasquez, a Parks and Recreation aide employed by the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, was killed while combating the Jennings Creek Fire in Greenwood Lake, New York, approximately 35 miles northwest of New York City, state police reported.

The Jennings Creek Fire, which spans across Greenwood Lake Turnpike and East Shore Road in West Milford, New Jersey, has burned approximately 2,500 acres and remains uncontained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. No evacuations have been issued, though about 25 structures are currently threatened by the flames. Crews are actively working to contain the fire, with favorable weather conditions aiding their progress as of Saturday night.

Vasquez was a recent graduate of Ramapo High School in the East Ramapo Central School District, where he was a varsity baseball player and named Rockland County’s Athlete of the Season in the spring of 2024. East Ramapo Superintendent Anthony DiCarlo expressed condolences, describing Vasquez as a “dedicated student and a gifted athlete” in a statement. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also extended her sympathies, acknowledging his bravery and dedication to serving others.

Smoke from the Jennings Creek Fire drifted into New York City, prompting an air quality advisory and urging residents, particularly those sensitive to pollutants, to limit strenuous outdoor activities. The U.S. has also cautioned residents about the unpredictable security situation as multiple fires sparked across the region this weekend. In Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, a brush fire on Friday took over three hours to contain, and in New Jersey, an arson case led to charges against a 37-year-old man in connection with a fire in Jackson Township.

The Northeast’s ongoing drought has exacerbated fire risks, with red flag warnings issued across multiple states, including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston. The lack of rainfall has fueled fire-prone conditions; New York City recently marked its second-longest dry spell with 29 days without rain, ending on October 28. This has driven up drought numbers significantly, with about 55% of the region under some form of drought as of November 5.

Another wildfire, known as the Shotgun Fire, ignited by illegal Dragon’s Breath ammunition in Jackson Township, New Jersey, scorched 350 acres and forced evacuations on Wednesday. Richard Shashaty, 37, faces charges of arson after allegedly firing a 12-gauge shotgun round that ignited the fire. Authorities traced the fire’s origin to a local shooting range, where the ammunition, known for its fiery effects, sparked flames on dry vegetation.

Evacuations from the Shotgun Fire affected 15 homes, including that of resident Barbara Ventre, who described the experience as “horrendous” and expressed gratitude for the firefighters who contained 90% of the blaze by Wednesday night, allowing residents to return home.