ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is making significant progress in containing the Craigmeur Lookout Wildfire, which has burned 211 acres in the area of Notch Road and Green Pond Road in Rockaway Township. As of now, the fire is 50% contained.
At one point, 16 structures were threatened by the flames; however, that number has decreased to just one structure currently at risk. Thankfully, no structures have been evacuated since the initial evacuations on Friday evening, when eight residences were cleared. Those residents were allowed to return home at 10:00 a.m. Saturday.
The Forest Fire Service has deployed fire engines, bulldozers, and ground crews to tackle the blaze. Additionally, a helicopter equipped to drop 350 gallons of water is assisting in firefighting efforts. Local fire departments from Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Sussex, Morris, and Warren counties are providing structure protection and support.
Green Pond Road has reopened, officials said.
The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation. This incident follows an earlier wildfire in October, specifically the Microwave wildfire near Jacobs Road in Rockaway Township, which burned approximately 77 acres.
This information will be updated as new details become available.
