Passaic Co.'s 200-Acre Wildfire Dampened By Rain As Containment Progress Slows

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — Thursday night’s rain offered some much-needed relief to those fighting the Buckabear wildfire, which has now burned roughly 200 acres.

The fire broke out on Tuesday in West Milford and has been burning for nearly 72 hours. Specifically, the blaze, considered a “major wildfire” according to experts, was set in the area of West Milford’s Clinton Reservoir.

According to West Milford Mayor Michele Dale, approximately one inch of rain on Thursday night helped dampen the wildfire. She called the weather a “welcome development.”

Officials will be monitoring just how helpful the rain was over the course of Friday.

Despite the rain relief, however, containment levels have not progressed much since Thursday night. Fire officials said the wildfire is still 60 percent contained, as of Friday morning.

At this time, there are still no structures threatened by the raging wildfire.

Clinton Road is being used as a fire line, a “strategic barrier used to stop or slow the spread of fire,” and will remain closed between Goldfinch Lane and Van Orden Road as firefighting continues.

Upper Greenwood Lake Ball Field and its parking lot are also closed to the public, as officials are using the space for helicopter activity. Fire crews have been using a Forest Fire Service helicopter capable of dropping 325 gallons of water per bucket to help extinguish the flames.

The Clinton Reservoir Boat Launch is also now closed for fire crew use.

The cause of the fire is still unknown and under investigation.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reminds residents that drone flying is strictly prohibited in the area of a wildfire.

“There are serious consequences to flying an unauthorized drone near a wildfire,” a statement read. “During a wildfire, our aircraft fly low to the ground, often at the same altitude that a drone would fly. If a drone is detected flying over or near a wildfire, all Forest Fire Service air support will be grounded - hampering suppression and observation efforts.”

An update is expected from fire officials Friday evening. Check back with Patch as information is made available.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

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