This Is My New Jersey

During the last few weeks, we have witnessed dangerous and destructive wildfires throughout our beloved state. From Jackson to Hewitt, the extremely dry conditions are a literal hot bed for a spark to become deadly. And this week, we lost a hero.

Dariel Vasquez

The Jennings Creek Fire took the life of volunteer fire fighter Dariel Vasquez. At just 18, Dariel’s whole life was ahead of him. While still a teenager, he felt the call to serve his community. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation released a statement sharing that Dariel, a member of the Wildland Fire Crew, was fatally injured while fighting the fire in Sterling Forest when a tree fell killing him. First responders valiantly attempted to save his life.

Dariel graduated from Ramapo High School just this year. He was captain of the varsity baseball team, where he played for four years and was named Rockland County Senior Male Athlete of spring 2024. Earlier this week, Dariel’s family, friends, and members of the community met at the high school baseball field to remember this incredibly special young man. Greenwood Lake mayor, Tom Howley, lowered flags to half-staff in the town in Dariel’s honor.

Be Fire Aware

Dariel is just one of hundreds of fire fighters that have been working hard to keep us all safe and protect our property and natural resources.

A teen has been charged with aggravated arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage. He is being held in the Middlesex Juvenile Detention Center. Richard Shashaty, age 37, has been charged with arson and violation of the regulatory provisions relating to firearms in Ocean County, which allegedly started a wildfire in Jackson, destroying 350 acres. The fire was started by the use of an illegal shotgun round.

These are catastrophic fires that could’ve killed people. People like Dariel Vasquez.

According to the NJ DEP, nearly 1,300 wildfires have burned over 11,000 acres since the beginning of the year. DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette has announced the State has declared a Drought Warning due to the significant increase in wildfires over last year coupled with the record-breaking dry spell. In addition to the Drought Warning, mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions have been put in place. This prohibits all fires unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas or electricity. No wood or charcoal fires are allowed, and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited while this level of restriction is in place. The fire ban is in place on all public lands and private properties in all municipalities throughout the state.

I urge you to be fire aware! Follow the fire restrictions and contact your local fire or police department if you have questions. If you are smoking while commuting, please do not flick your cigarette out the window. Don’t shoot off fireworks or use torches in your backyard. Fire fighters and emergency personnel are doing their best to prevent these fires from advancing. Do your part and prevent them from starting in the first place.

As we were all told as children, only you can prevent forest fires.