HARDWICK TOWNSHIP (Warren County) — New Jersey Forest Fire Service continue to battle an active wildfire, the “Rock Face Wildfire,” on the border of Worthington State Forest and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
The blaze was reported at about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday on Mount Tammany between the Red Dot Trail and Interstate 80 on the New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap, according to New Jersey State Firewarden Greg McLaughlin.
As of Tuesday morning, 80 acres has been consumed with 95% contained – 2 acres of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and 78 acres in the Worthington State Forest were affected, McLaughlin said.
“Wind and humidity were a factor initially, evening winds pushed the fire down slope very fast,” McLaughlin said.
The next few days officials will be patrolling the containment lines to ensure the fire does not escape, McLaughlin said.
Helicopters were used to move people to the top of the hill faster and for fire suppression. There is still visible smoke from the vegetation that is still burning, McLaughlin said.
The Red Dot and the Blue-blazed Trails will remain closed until further notice. Interstate 80 is open.
There have been no injuries and no structures are in the area of the fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
This is a developing story. We’ll continue to update this story, check back for more updates.
Anthony Preziosi contributed to this report.
