Delaware
Two firefighters injured as crews battle wildfire near Delaware Water Gap
2-minute read
NJ Forest Fire Service observer Nick Valerio keeps watch in Culvers Fire Tower
NJ Forest Fire Service observer Nick Valerio works eight-hour shifts in the 8ft by 8ft Culvers Fire Tower 45 ft. in the air during the fall and spring.
Amy Newman, New Jersey Herald
HARDWICK − Two state firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion Tuesday as firefighters battle what is being called the Old Mine Wildfire in Worthington State Forest.
The fire, being combated by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and the National Park Service, is about five acres and on the western side of the Kittatinny Ridge, just north of the Delaware Water Gap.
Smoke from that fire, and an earlier prescribed burn, could be seen by eastbound traffic on Interstate 80 and caused drivers to slow down, creating a backup on the highway entering New Jersey over the Delaware Water Gap bridge.
In a mid afternoon Facebook post, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the fire originated on National Park Service property “and is believed to be human caused.”
The post said that along with ground crews the Forest Fire Service brought in “single engine air tanker” which made several passes over the fire scene. The aircraft is capable of dropping up to 800 gallons of water at a time. Also in the area was an observation helicopter.
Earlier: Don’t worry — they’re burning parts of Kittatinny Valley State Park on purpose
The state service said that earlier in the day, its crews conducted a prescribed burn more than a mile away from the origin of the Old Mine Wildfire on state-owned property managed by Worthington State Forest. That fire was immediately doused and the crews and equipment moved to the nearby Old Mine Wildfire.
The Facebook post said: “The Forest Fire Service confirms the prescribed burn neither caused nor impacted the Old Mine Wildfire in Worthington State Forest because the wind direction at the prescribed burn was opposite from the wind direction at the Old Mine Wildfire.”
Prescribed burns
Prescribed burns have been done for centuries, but now with modern techniques in terms of how the fire is managed and only doing such burns when weather conditions are conducive. The dangers of such a fire getting out of control are greatly reduced.
The prescribed burns now are an effective and efficient means of managing the buildup of forest fuels that may contribute to the start and spread of a wildfire. By actively eliminating sources of fuel that exacerbate forest fire risks through a controlled and prescribed burning program, the Forest Fire Service reduces risk to New Jersey residents, visitors and the environment.
Prescribed burns improve habitat for plants and animals, reduce the presence of damaging insects and ticks, and recycle nutrients into the soil.
According to the Forest Fire Service, prescribed burning is an important part of the state’s carbon defense strategy. Allowing experts to choose the intensity, timing and interval of fire across the landscape may help prevent a larger uncontrolled wildfire, which would contribute to significant carbon loss.
Typically, most prescribed burns take place between February and early April. Tuesday’s weather in the area included light winds, temperatures in the 70s and relative humidity low, in the 30% range.
The Forest Fire Service posts its schedule daily on its Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/NJForestFireService.
Delaware
Analysis shows Delaware as No. 5 nationwide at searching how to cheat in board, card games
Hear from Reggie Lynch on what to expect at Winterthur’s Yuletide 2024
Reggie Lynch, director of interpretation and engagement, shares her thoughts on Winterthur’s Yuletide 2024, the trees and celebration of creativity.
Planning to break out Monopoly or Scrabble with the family over the holidays? Be careful.
Delaware ranks No. 5 in the nation when it comes to searching for how to cheat at card and board games, according to an analysis from World of Card Games.
Google search volume data for terms related to cheating in multiple card and board games found that they accounted for 13.88 out of every 10,000 searches from Delawareans. Vermont had the highest search volume, according to the researchers, followed by Alaska and North Dakota.
“Whatever the reason, we hope players remember that the real joy of game night comes from the fun of playing together – not from having an ace up your sleeve,” said World of Card Games Founder Holger Sindbaek. “After all, nothing beats the warm feeling of a well-earned victory shared with loved ones during the holidays.”
Delaware
Man arrested after police find remains of missing Delaware woman in Maryland
A man was arrested after police found the dismembered remains of a missing Delaware woman in Maryland.
The investigation began on Friday, Dec. 20, around 10:15 p.m. when New Castle County Police responded to the 2700 block of Stone Place in the Village of Kent Apartments in Newark, Delaware. The boss of 31-year-old Tracy Nyariki had contacted police after she failed to report to work for several days.
Police searched through Nyariki’s apartment but were unable to find her. During the investigation, they uncovered several suspicious circumstances that made them concerned for her safety and wellbeing.
After they were unable to contact her, police issued a Gold Alert. Investigators then identified 32-year-old Nobert Matara as a person of interest in Nyariki’s disappearance.
With help from Aberdeen Police, investigators found Matara and his vehicle on the 1100 block of South Philadelphia Boulevard in Aberdeen, Maryland. They then found Nyariki’s dismembered remains in his vehicle, according to investigators.
Matara was arrested and is currently being held in Maryland where he is awaiting extradition to Delaware. Once transferred, he’ll be arraigned on the charge of first-degree murder.
Police said they may file additional charges against Matara as the investigation continues.
If you have any information on the incident, please call Detective Adam Holubinka at (302) 395-8254 or email him at Adam.Holubinka@newcastlede.gov. You can also call the New Castle County Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800. You can also leave a tip by calling the Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or submit a tip online on the Delaware Crime Stoppers website.
Delaware
Museum to present program on Governor Ross
The Milford Museum American History Series continues with a program about Delaware Governor William H.H. Ross presented by Claudia Furnish Leister on Saturday, January 11, 1:00 p.m. at the Milford Public Library in Milford, Delaware. In this program Leister, retired Milford Museum director, will preview her soon to be published book about Governor William H.H. Ross.
As an antebellum Governor of Delaware, Ross was a slave owner in the Seaford area, as were his father and grandfather. Ross became a very controversial figure during the Civil War due to his Confederate sympathies. Equally as important were the decisions made and the actions taken by Ross as a Delaware planter within the context of the impact of slavery, the declining soil fertility, the changing commodity markets, and the advent of the railroad.
Leister grew up in Milford and later moved to Michigan where she earned a B.A. in English and a minor in Archaeology/Anthropology from Michigan State University. She returned to Delaware where she eventually became the Curator and Collections Manager for Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs in 1980.
After retiring from the State of Delaware in 2011, she was invited to become a member of the Milford Museum Board. A year later, she was appointed as the first Executive Director. She had previously served as President of the Seaford Historical Society from 1991 to 2000. During her time as the Milford Museum President, she completed the first-ever total inventory of the collections, the computerization of the collections database, and the creation of new exhibits using modern methods and standards. She retired from the position in 2023 but continues to serve as a volunteer curator at the museum.
Sponsored by the Milford Museum, these monthly programs focus on a variety of topics concerning local, state, and national history. These presentations are held on the second Saturday of each month, at 1:00 p.m., in the Milford Public Library. The library is located at 11 S.E. Front Street in Milford, Delaware. For more information, please contact the Museum at (302) 424-1080, [email protected]. These programs are offered through a generous grant from The Delaware Heritage Commission.
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