Brush fires in Virginia and Maryland brought smoke to the D.C. region, causing a shift in air quality and prompting warnings of dangerous conditions due to strong winds and low humidity. Firefighters in multiple counties worked to extinguish blazes, while officials in central and western Virginia declared emergencies and urged evacuations. High winds and low humidity led to a red flag warning for dangerous fire weather, with power outages affecting thousands of customers in Virginia. Dry, breezy conditions were predicted to continue, but rain was expected to alleviate the fire threat by Friday night.
Multiple brush fires occurred on the F.E. Everett Turnpike in New Hampshire, caused by a yellow Mack Truck with "Kallwall" lettering on the side panels. The fires were extinguished by the Merrimack, Nashua, and Bedford Fire Departments, but some flames approached residential properties. The right-hand travel lane was temporarily closed, and the New Hampshire State Police are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Trooper Perciballi.
Santa Ana winds continue to cause havoc in Southern California, with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph in some areas. The strong winds have led to fire weather warnings and preemptive power shut-offs by Southern California Edison. Several incidents have been reported, including a fire near John Wayne Airport that forced the evacuation of a hotel, a fast-moving brush fire in Chatsworth, and toppled trees in various locations. Red flag warnings and wind advisories remain in effect for Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Firefighters in Southern California are battling several brush fires fueled by high winds, including two in the San Fernando Valley and one in L.A.'s Harbor region. No structures have been threatened or damaged, and there have been no reported injuries. Crews from multiple counties are assisting in extinguishing the fires, which have prompted road closures and are under investigation for their cause.
Firefighters in Santa Clarita, California, battled two brush fires amid triple-digit temperatures. The Agua Fire spread quickly through the Angeles National Forest, threatening a trailer park and forcing the closure of nearby Metrolink tracks. Another fire, the Victor Fire, broke out in the Santa Clarita Valley area. Two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion. The cause of the fires is under investigation.
Firefighters in Southern California are battling three separate brush fires that started amid a blistering heat wave, with nearly 1,000 homes under evacuation orders. The fires, located within 40 miles of each other in Riverside County, have not caused any reported injuries or property loss so far. Two of the fires have stopped spreading, but the third has rapidly grown to over 2 square miles. California is bracing for its hottest weather of the year, with temperatures expected to soar above 120 degrees Fahrenheit in some desert areas. The causes of the fires are under investigation.
Despite fireworks being banned in Seattle, they have caused at least two major building fires and dozens of brush fires since July 1. The Seattle Fire Department has responded to 67 brush fires, with 53 occurring on July 4 alone. The exact number of fires caused by fireworks is unclear. Fire officials anticipate more fireworks being set off throughout the week, despite dry and hot conditions. The combination of smoke from wildfires and fireworks has led to poor air quality in Western Washington.
Sparks from a CSX train caused dozens of brush fires in Rockland County, New York, according to the Rockland County Sheriff's Office. Three firefighters suffered heat exhaustion while battling the fires. The train has been stopped as firefighters put out the fires. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Brush fires have broken out in three Rhode Island communities, including Coventry, West Greenwich, and Narragansett. The fires have spread across several acres of woods, and emergency crews are working to contain them. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the area due to dry and windy conditions, which can cause fires to spread quickly. Firefighters are battling the flames, and people are urged to use caution when discarding cigarettes and refrain from outdoor burning.
Brush fires broke out in at least six communities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts due to dry and windy conditions caused by a Red Flag Warning. Firefighters are working to contain the fires, which have burned acres of land and caused damage to at least one structure. People are urged to refrain from outdoor burning and use caution when discarding cigarettes.
A wildfire on Spivey Mountain in Western North Carolina has burned over 75 acres, while firefighters have responded to more than 30 brush fires in the area. Crews are working to contain the fires, which have been fueled by dry conditions and high winds. No injuries or property damage have been reported at this time.
New Jersey Transit's Northeast Corridor services have resumed with significant delays after a series of brush fires caused by hot carbon sparks from a construction and demolition debris train. Amtrak services were also impacted, and travelers are advised to check the status of their trains on the NJ Transit and Amtrak websites and apps.
Multiple brush fires caused by sparks emitted by a freight train have disrupted NJ Transit and Amtrak rail service along the Northeast Corridor Line between New York Penn Station and Trenton. Service has resumed between New York Penn Station and Metropark, but Amtrak service is suspended between New York Penn Station and Philadelphia. Customers are advised to seek alternate transportation and rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored by PATH at Newark Penn Station and 33rd Street.
Multiple brush fires caused by sparks from a freight train disrupted NJ Transit and Amtrak rail service along the Northeast Corridor, leading to service suspension between New York Penn Station and Trenton. Commuters were advised to seek alternate transportation, and limited service has since resumed between New York Penn Station and Metropark. Amtrak service is still suspended between New York Penn Station and Philadelphia. The fires caused a commuting hassle for train riders, with large crowds gathering at Penn Station.
