Firefighters on Both US Coasts Battle Wildfires; Fatality Reported in New York-New Jersey Fire.

POMPTON LAKES, N.J. (AP) — Fire crews across both coasts of the United States continued their efforts to contain multiple wildfires on Sunday. Among the blazes was a deadly fire on the New York-New Jersey border, resulting in the tragic death of a young state parks employee. Meanwhile, in Southern California, a separate wildfire has destroyed over 130 structures and caused extensive damage to numerous others.

In Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles, firefighters made progress against the Mountain Fire, which erupted on Wednesday. Fueled by dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds, the fire quickly spread, forcing thousands to evacuate. As of Sunday, the blaze was 26% contained, an improvement from 21% the day prior, with its size remaining at approximately 32 square miles (83 square kilometers). The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

"The fire is creeping through steep, rugged terrain and continues to pose threats to critical infrastructure, highways, and nearby communities," reported Cal Fire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

On the East Coast, New York State Police are investigating the death of 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, a state parks employee who was fatally injured while working on fire line construction during a brush fire in Sterling Forest, near the New York-New Jersey border. A tree fell on Vasquez as he assisted in battling the fire. New York forestry officials expressed their condolences, saying, "Rip brother, your shift is over; job well done."

In New Jersey, the Jennings Creek Wildfire, which has burned 4.7 square miles (12 square kilometers), was threatening 25 structures, including two homes. As of Sunday night, it was only 10% contained. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service highlighted the exceptionally dry conditions, the driest in nearly 120 years, as a significant challenge.

Health advisories were issued for parts of New York and northeastern New Jersey, including New York City, due to poor air quality from the smoke. Authorities urged people, especially those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities.

In other parts of New Jersey, officials reported progress. A 175-acre fire near Pompton Lakes in Passaic County reached 75% containment, with no evacuation orders issued despite the threat to 55 homes. Meanwhile, in Jackson Township, Ocean County prosecutors announced charges of arson and illegal use of firearms in connection with a 350-acre fire. The blaze was ignited by magnesium fragments from a shotgun round at a shooting range, violating state regulations against incendiary ammunition. Most of the fire was contained by Friday.

In Massachusetts, powerful winds and dry leaves have fueled several wildfires, including one in the Lynn Woods Reservation, a park spanning 3.4 square miles (8.8 square kilometers) just north of Boston. Over 400 acres have burned so far. Lynn Fire Chief Dan Sullivan reported progress in containing the blaze but warned of hazardous conditions, urging the public to avoid the area due to weakened trees and unstable terrain.

Despite some progress, the ongoing dry and windy conditions continue to make firefighting efforts challenging across multiple states.