Fire crews have contained 85% of a wildfire in Morris County that has been burning since Thursday evening, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The Craigmeur Lookout Wildfire, located near Notch Road and Green Pond Road, spans 202 acres, though smoke is expected to linger until significant rainfall arrives.
The Forest Fire Service stated crews will remain at the scene to strengthen containment lines and monitor problem areas. Although 16 structures were initially at risk, none sustained damage. Eight residences were evacuated as a precaution, but residents returned home Saturday morning.
Green Pond Road, which was closed Friday due to the fire, reopened late Saturday. The fire is still under investigation, and officials have banned all outdoor burning, as New Jersey faces an “extreme” wildfire threat due to exceptionally dry conditions.
Firefighters from local departments across Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Sussex, Morris, and Warren counties assisted, while a helicopter with a 350-gallon water capacity was used for aerial support.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.