As Wildfires Blaze in New Jersey, Direct Relief Equips First Responders

A firefighter battles one of the wildfires burning in Passaic County, New Jersey, recently. Fires are burning on both coasts of the United States this week due to dry conditions and high winds. (Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service)

New Jersey Wildfire — A firefighter battles one of the wildfires burning in Passaic County, New Jersey, recently. Fires are burning on both coasts of the United States this week due to dry conditions and high winds. (Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service)

By Brea Burkholz

November 12, 2024

In response to wildfires burning across New Jersey, Direct Relief today announced a new partnership with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, or NJ OEM, marking a key step in expanding Direct Relief’s efforts to support emergency response across the state of New Jersey.

This agreement will enable Direct Relief to supply critical medical and emergency resources in collaboration with NJ OEM, supporting the agency’s statewide response efforts as well as the New Jersey Task Force, or NJ-TF1, one of 28 federal FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams. This partnership comes at a critical time, as wildfires continue to burn across parts of New Jersey and New York, heightening the need for timely and effective response.

NJ OEM has already requested 100 field medic packs and 200 personal care kits stocked with hygiene items from Direct Relief. These essential supplies will be distributed by impacted county emergency management offices to support those directly affected by the fires. This collaboration with NJ OEM exemplifies Direct Relief’s focus on enhancing preparedness and response capabilities in states facing urgent crises.

Supporting Emergency Management Agencies

This agreement is Direct Relief’s second formal partnership with a state emergency management office.

Since 2010, Direct Relief has collaborated closely with the California Office of Emergency Services to deliver targeted aid during emergencies, allowing for critical support to communities in need beyond Direct Relief’s traditional free and charitable clinic network.

The Jennings Creek wildfire, pictured here burning in Passaic County, New Jersey, in Nov. 2024. (Photo courtesy of New Jersey Forest Service)

Through the partnership with NJ OEM, Direct Relief aims to expand this model, extending its support for local and regional disaster response, and specifically aiding NJ-TF1, which deploys nationwide to assist communities in crisis, as demonstrated in past hurricane responses in North Carolina and Florida.

Direct Relief’s collaboration with NJ OEM underscores the organization’s mission to be a ready and proactive partner in emergency preparedness and response, empowering local agencies and ensuring swift, efficient aid when disaster strikes.