Rockaway Township, New Jersey wildfire evacuation orders lifted, officials say
ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Homes were evacuated in Morris County, New Jersey on Friday because of a wildfire.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service started battling the Craigmeur Lookout wildfire in Rockaway Township on Thursday night. It started in the area of Notch Road and moved swiftly.
Officials said Saturday firefighters "made substantial progress in containing the wildfire."
As of 6 p.m. Sunday, the fire was 85% contained and had spread to 211 acres. All evacuation orders have been lifted, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said, and only one structure is currently being threatened.
At least 8 homes threatened by Craigmeur Lookout wildfire
According to officials, 16 structures, including at least eight homes on Green Pond Lane, were being threatened at one point. Residents of the homes evacuated voluntarily Friday.
"The township is working with local area hotels to provide housing for those that were evacuated," Rockaway Township Mayor Joe Jackson said.
Evacuated residents were allowed back into their homes at 10 a.m. Saturday.
People who live in the area were worried.
"The wind could shift, and the next thing you know - these structures are old. They could go up like matchsticks," Rockaway Township resident Gavin Philipps said.
"It's pretty scary, you know. We had to evacuate 15 horses from our property, so it's scary, but we're keeping hopeful," Rockaway Township resident Amy Weiss said.
Weiss said she had never seen anything like this. She had her bag packed and ready to go.
Mike Pinter lives one town over from Rockaway Township in Newfoundland and was doing everything he could to protect his home, including raking leaves away from his property.
"It's pretty important to keep the leaves away because they burn fast. We don't wanna see the house go up," he said.
Windy, dry conditions create difficult battle for firefighters
The Fire Service deployed fire engines and ground crews, as well as two helicopters to drop gallons of water on the fire. Volunteer firefighters from around New Jersey were also sent to the scene.
"Engines, dozers, crews. We're really trying to hit this thing hard," said Eric Webber, assistant division fire warden for the Fire Service.
Drone technology is being used to keep an eye on the blaze.
Friday, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning, which means there's an elevated risk of fire spreading because of winds combined with dry conditions. Much of New Jersey has been dealing with drought conditions.
"There is no end in sight for this drought. Our crews are working tirelessly, but they continue to fight one fire after another," said William Love Jr., assistant division forest fire warden for the Fire Service. "And we urge the public to help us. We need help. Every fire that's prevented is one less that we need to fight. Please be careful with outside ignitions, be careful with equipment and use common sense."
Crews were expected to be fighting the fire throughout the night Friday as they try to get it under control.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.