Wildfire Grows To 211 Acres; Evacuated Morris Co. Residents Allowed Back Home

ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP, NJ — Evacuated residents were allowed back home as officials continued battling a Morris County wildfire, which grew to 211 acres as of Saturday night.

Eight homes had to evacuate Friday evening as the Craigmeur Lookout Wildfire raged in Rockaway Township. They were allowed to return Saturday morning.

The fire has been burning since Thursday night around Notch Road and Green Pond Road. Sixteen homes and structures were at risk of damage. But only one structure is under threat as of 8 p.m. Saturday, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

The blaze grew about 50 acres since Saturday morning, but 50 percent has been contained.

The Forest Fire Service has fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews and a helicopter at the scene. The helicopter can drop up to 350 gallons of water.

Firefighters from throughout North Jersey have been protecting nearby homes.

Green Pond Road was previously closed in the Craigmeur Ski Area but has re-opened as of Saturday night.

Outdoor fires have been prevalent in recent weeks, spreading quickly because of the region's worsening drought. Statewide fire restrictions continued Saturday, prohibiting charcoal fires and only allowing fires in elevated stoves that use only propane, gas, natural gas or electricity.

Officials are investigating what caused the Craigmeur Lookout Wildfire. The Forest Fire Service plans to issue another update at 6 p.m. Sunday.