Smoke blankets NYC after fires in Brooklyn

An 18-year-old working for the New York parks, Dariel Vasquez, died Saturday while battling a wildfire along the New York-New Jersey border. The fire has triggered air quality warnings in both states.

The brush fires, exacerbated by a dry season, spanned 3 square miles and threatened homes in West Milford, NJ and Orange County, NY. 

Meanwhile, NJ reported 75% containment of another fire in Passaic County. Authorities are investigating a separate fire in Jackson Township that was sparked by illegal ammunition use.

A smoky haze engulfed New York City after brush fires broke out in Brooklyn, the Bronx and NJ.

The strong, acrid odor lingered throughout the city, prompting the New York State Department to issue an air quality alert.