West Milford Wildfire Burns 160 Acres, Now Half Contained: Live Updates

See Most Recent Update Here: Passaic Co.'s 200-Acre Wildfire Dampened By Rain As Containment Progress Slows

This article was updated at 9:30 a.m., Thursday

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — Fire officials have been able to contain half of the 160-acre wildfire that is tearing through Passaic County.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Buckabear Wildfire broke out in an area of Clinton Reservoir in West Milford. It has continued to rage on for nearly 48 hours as firefighters attempt to contain it.

According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, 50 percent of the fire has been contained so far, as of 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

Fire officials added that there are still no structures threatened by the fire at this time.

The origin of the fire is still under investigation, as Forest Fire Service fire engines and ground crews continue to fight it off. Fire crews have been using a Forest Fire Service helicopter capable of dropping 325 gallons of water per bucket to help extinguish the flames.

As a result of the wildfire operations, Clinton Road remains closed between Goldfinch Lane & Van Orden Road, as of Thursday morning.

According to West Milford Mayor Michele Dale, Clinton Road is being used as a fire line, or containment line. Fire lines are "strategic barriers used to stop or slow the spread of fire." Clinton Road's wide, clear break in vegetation, plus its ability to provide safe access for crews and equipment, make it an ideal space for a fire line, according to officials.

Several surrounding areas, including parts of Morris and Sussex counties, are under a visibility alert due to the wildfire's smoke. Residents, particularly those with breathing/lung issues, are asked to use caution when traveling through the smokey areas.

An update is expected from fire officials Thursday evening. Check back with Patch for additional coverage.