Hundreds hope to return home as firefighters battle wildfire in NY, NJ

Residents who fled more than 160 homes along the New York-New Jersey border over the weekend were hoping to return Monday after authorities said they gained the upper hand on a wildfire burning for more than a week.

The New York State Park Police said the fire had burned almost 8 square miles but was 88% contained late Sunday. Winds died down, allowing firefighters to conduct "burnout operations" and protect all homes in the area.

In Warwick, New York, Supervisor Jesse Dwyer said the voluntary evacuations there helped firefighters in the "unprecedented challenge" to regain control of the Jennings Creek fire, which had breached a containment line.

"We have learned to never celebrate achievements too early," Warwick Supervisor Jesse Dwyer said in a Facebook post late Sunday. "Our goal will be to get residents back home by tomorrow and we will evaluate if that can be done safely."

In the nearby Village of Greenwood Lake, Mayor Tom Howley also sounded a positive note but warned that "due to the complex terrain, smoke will remain noticeable in valleys overnight and into the morning."

Hundreds of wildfires and brush fires have burned across the Northeast as the region struggles under a historic drought. Some red flag wildfire warnings have stretched across entire states. New York is under a statewide burn ban in effect until the end of the month that prohibits igniting outdoor fires for brush and debris disposal, as well as camp fires and open fires used for cooking.

New York wildfire breaks through: 160 homes evacuated as blazes keep Northeast at risk

Developments:

? The National Guard said guard personnel dropped over 117,000 gallons of water on the blaze in two days.

? New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers are leading the effort, backed by firefighters from multiple states, volunteer departments and a wildland firefighting team from Montana.

What is a red flag warning?

Red flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service mean a combination of warm temperatures, very low humidity and strong winds are expected to increase the risk of fire danger. The criteria ? relative humidity of 15% or less and wind gusts of 25 mph or more for three hours over a 12-hour period.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs warns that during a red flag warning residents should follow local fire department guidance and maintain a "heightened awareness" of anything that can generate a spark or flame.

The group's recommendations include not driving on dry grass, extinguishing outdoor fires properly and never leaving them unattended. Soak ashes and charcoal in water and dispose of them in a metal can ? they can sometimes reignite days after a fire or barbecue is extinguished. And report unattended outdoor fires immediately to 911.

'Treacherous conditions' in NYC: Firefighters battling record number of brush fires

California wildfire damaged over 350 homes, businesses

In California, fire officials provided an update on the Mountain Fire that began almost two weeks ago in Southern California's Ventura County. The toll: At least 243 homes, businesses and other structures destroyed. and another 123 damaged. Six people were injured, including firefighters and civilians. The fire, which burned more than 30 square miles, was 98% contained Sunday.

Hatim and Samah Naim and their family were among those who lost their homes to the blaze. They told the Ventura Star, a member of the USA TODAY Network, their house had been uninsured because premiums were $19,000 a year. Also lost: passports, three cars, clothes bought for their son’s December wedding and everything else they owned. Read more here.

? Cheri Carlson and Tom Kisken, Ventura Star

Chaos and devastation: How the Mountain Fire erupted

New York City creates Brush Fire Task force

Even New York City has struggled with fires in its parks and open spaces, including more than 200 such blazes over a recent two week period. On Sunday, city fire Commissioner Robert Tucker announced the creation of the department’s first Brush Fire Task Force, composed of fire marshals, fire inspectors and tactical drone units in response to the historic increase in brush fires occurring throughout the five boroughs.

Tucker said firefighter efforts to combat the blazes in tight spaces amid falling, burning trees "pose a real threat to our members and our city."

"We are taking real action to prevent brush fires from occurring (and) putting protocols in place to keep our members safe while they are in the field," Tucker said in a statement.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wildfires rip across NJ, NY, northeast after historic drought