Crews make progress battling wildfire near former ski resort in Rockaway Twp., NJ; now 85% contained
ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WABC) -- New Jersey authorities continue to make progress in battling the flames of a multi-acre wildfire that broke out in Morris County.
As of 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, 85 percent of the fire is contained and all evacuation orders have been lifted, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
The state agency also said that Green Pond Road has reopened while one structure, down from 16, remains threatened by the fire.
NewsCopter 7 was over the scene on Friday morning as the fire burned through the Craigmeur Recreation Complex. Dubbed the "Craigmeur Lookout Wildfire," the blaze was first reported around 9:45 p.m. on Thursday.
In a Friday evening update, the NJ Forest Fire Service said the fire stretched 140 acres and was 30% contained, which was progress from the morning when the fire was only 10% contained.
Fire engines, bulldozers and ground crews have been deployed to help contain the fire, the NJ Forest Fire Service said. A helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water is still assisting in relief efforts, while local county fire departments are aiding in structure protection.
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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