Drought Warning Issued in New Jersey as Wildfires Surge and Water Supply Faces Growing Threat

A drought warning was declared in New Jersey as the region faces its driest conditions in nearly 120 years, contributing to a surge in wildfires. Black Hawk helicopters have been used to combat blazes in New York, including one near the New Jersey-New York border, while a fire in Manhattan sent smoke across New York City.

Authorities also revealed criminal charges against individuals accused of deliberately starting some of these fires. Wildfires continue to spread across the Northeast U.S., fueled by dry conditions that have persisted since August.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy urged residents to conserve water in response to the ongoing drought, recommending shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and running dishwashers only when full.

While the state is not yet facing immediate water shortages for drinking or firefighting, officials are taking steps to prevent further depletion. Governor Murphy warned that the dry winter ahead could worsen the situation if water use is not managed carefully.

Firefighting efforts have been complicated by the extremely dry conditions, with crews struggling to control fires in the rugged terrain of the New Jersey-New York border.

Water-dropping helicopters have been deployed to combat the flames, while controlled burns are being used to remove dry vegetation and prevent further spread. New York City has also experienced a significant number of brush fires, exacerbated by the lack of rainfall, which has raised alarms for the city’s fire department and residents.

In addition to the environmental challenges, criminal activity has played a role in fueling some of the fires. Authorities in New Jersey charged a juvenile with intentionally starting a fire, while a volunteer firefighter on Long Island was arrested for setting a brush fire that caused damage. These incidents highlight the added difficulties faced by firefighters already stretched thin by the drought and the increasing number of wildfires.

The drought has also raised concerns about the region’s water supply. New Jersey’s reservoirs are at dangerously low levels, with some at just 45% of capacity. New York City, which saw the driest October in over 150 years, has also issued a drought watch.

The lack of rainfall has dried out the soil, making it easier for fires to spread and harder to contain. Officials are warning that the prolonged dry conditions could lead to more severe water shortages, further stressing both firefighting resources and the availability of drinking water.