Strengthening winds and bone-dry conditions were hindering firefighters working to gain control of a stubborn wildfire burning in a forested stretch along the New York-New Jersey state border about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of New York City.

Weather conditions triggered red flag warnings in the northeast part of the United States as firefighters in California continued to battle a large wildfire that has burned over 20,000 acres.

Wildfires are rarer in North Jersey and the southern part of New York than other regions, but a record dry spell has put all forested areas in danger. A wildfire broke out over the weekend in Prospect Park,

A quarter of an inch of rain fell on the Jennings Creek fire early Monday morning, which helped crews get some much needed rest. The fire remains at about 3,000 acres and is 10% contained, officials said.

The first measurable rainfall over New Jersey in weeks raised hopes on Monday of snuffing out a rash of wildfires that has plagued the state, while stronger winds brought concern that a California blaze that had already destroyed dozens of structures could start expanding again.

Fire crews on both coasts of the U.S. continued battling wildfires Sunday, including one in New York and New Jersey that killed a parks employee.

Dangerous wildfires were burning Monday on the East and West coasts, with firefighters in New York and New Jersey working to contain a deadly blaze spurred by an ongoing, historic drought – while strong winds in Southern California could fan a destructive fire in Ventura County.