Crews make progress battling wildfire near former ski resort in Rockaway Township, NJ
ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WABC) -- Crews made progress battling the flames of a multi-acre wildfire that broke out in New Jersey on Friday morning.
NewsCopter 7 was over the scene as the fire burned through the Craigmeur Recreation Complex in Morris County.
Dubbed the "Craigmeur Lookout Wildfire," the blaze was first reported around 9:45 p.m. on Thursday and is growing.
In a Friday evening update, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the fire stretches 140 acres and is 30% contained, which was progress from the morning when the fire was only 10% contained.
They say 13 structures are being threatened by the wildfire. Eight structures have been evacuated on Green Pond Road, and the road is closed near the Craigmeur Ski area.
Fire engines, bulldozers and ground crews have been deployed to help contain the fire, the NJ Forest Fire Service says. Two helicopters capable of dropping 350 gallons of water each are also assisting in relief efforts.
In light of critical fire conditions, the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning to the following counties through 7 p.m.: Sussex, Warren, Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex and Mercer County.
Stage 3 fire restrictions are also in effect statewide, which prohibits all fires except for those contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas or electricity.
The Morris County wildfire takes place near an October 19 fire on Jacobs Road that burned for four days.
According to officials, New Jersey is at the highest level of fire restrictions, with more than 350 wildfires since September 15.
Craigmeur was the site of a well-known ski resort for decades, before closing in 1997. The site is now unoccupied.
The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.
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