MADISON BOROUGH, NJ (Morris County) – Rapid response contained a brush fire in Madison’s Drew University Forest Preserve Saturday morning.
Just before 10:00 a.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service detected a potential fire in Madison Borough from their Greystone Lookout Tower in Denville Township. Responders mobilized immediately, locating an active brush fire deep within the Drew University Forest Preserve.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service was quickly joined by the Madison Fire Department and Police Department, who began efforts to contain the growing blaze.
Following an initial assessment, additional resources were dispatched from the Morris Township Fire Department to bolster containment efforts. Thanks to the rapid, coordinated response from all agencies involved, the fire was successfully confined to a section of one and a half acres.
By 1:00 p.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service declared the fire under control, with containment lines firmly established and crews diligently addressing remaining hot spots to prevent further spread. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and all personnel remained safe throughout the operation.
“The swift action and teamwork displayed by our local fire departments, police, and state fire services were outstanding. Their commitment to protecting our community and preserving the Drew Forest is deeply appreciated. We are incredibly fortunate that their expertise prevented the fire from spreading further,” said Mayor Robert H. Conley.
By 3:30 p.m., all personnel had successfully cleared the scene. Containment efforts limited the fire to the forest floor, preventing it from reaching the tree canopy and preserving critical ecological features of the Drew Forest.
A full investigation is underway to determine the fire’s cause, officials said.
