Jennings Creek Wildfire Assisted by Blackhawk Helicopters from National Guard as Nearly 5000 Acres Burns

November 13 2024 MILFORD, NJ – Wildfires along the New York & New Jersey border burn nearly 5,000 acres with high wind conditions hampering firefighter efforts, elevating the risk for spreading as the Jennings Creek Wildfire continues to grow on Wednesday.

According to officials, 18-year-old volunteer firefighter, Dariel Vasquez died battling the fire that began burning over the weekend in Orange County, New York, and Passaic County, New Jersey.

Two Black Hawk helicopters equipped with hundreds of gallons of water to help battle against the fire were seen near Jennings Creek. 

At a news conference on Tuesday, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul said the two Black Hawks used for water drops were deployed by the National Guard.