A wildfire in Rockaway Township, New Jersey park prompts evacuations

ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP, NJ – Homes in Morris County, New Jersey were evacuated Friday due to a wildfire.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service began battling the Craigmeur Lookout wildfire in Rockaway Township on Thursday evening. It started in the Notch Road area and moved quickly.

People are being told to avoid the area.

8 houses threatened by forest fire at Craigmeur Lookout

Officials say 13 structures, including eight homes on Green Pond Lane, are threatened. The residents of the houses were evacuated voluntarily.

“The township is working with area hotels to provide housing for the evacuees,” Rockaway Township Mayor Joe Jackson said.

People living in the area are 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 remain hopeful,” said Rockaway Township resident Amy Weiss.

Weiss said she had never seen anything like it. She has her bag packed and is ready to go.

Windy and dry conditions make the fight difficult for firefighters

More than 120 hectares of land have already been destroyed, and officials say the fire is only 10% contained at this point.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Fridaymeaning there is an increased risk of fire spread due to the winds combined with the dry conditions. Much of New Jersey is struggling with this Drought conditions.

The fire department deployed fire engines and ground crews as well as two helicopters to drop gallons of water on the fire. Volunteer firefighters from across New Jersey were also sent to the scene.

“There is no end to this drought in sight. Our crews are working tirelessly but continuing to battle fires one fire at a time,” said William Love Jr., assistant wildland fire marshal for the fire department. “And we are calling on the public to help us. We need help. Every fire prevented is one less fire we have to fight. Please be careful with spark ignitions, handle equipment carefully and use common sense.”

The cause of the fire remains unknown.