A wildfire raging in Morris County since Thursday night is nearing containment, but residents in and around Rockaway Township are likely to continue to see smoke in the days to come.
The Craigmeur Lookout Wildfire, burning in the area of Notch Road and Green Pond Road since Thursday night, was 85% contained at 202 acres Sunday evening, said an update from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
"Smoke is expected to remain present until significant rain falls over the fire area," the update on the service's Facebook page said. "Forest Fire Service crews will remain on scene for the next several days to continue to improve containment lines and address areas of concern until significant precipitation occurs to ensure public safety."
No injuries were reported as of Sunday evening. And despite 16 structures being threatened and eight residences having to be evacuated, "no buildings sustained any damage from the wildfire," the update said. Those evacuated were permitted to go back to their residences at 10 a.m. Saturday
Green Pond Road, which closed Friday, reopened Saturday night.
The service is on the ground with fire engines, bulldozers and ground crews, and one helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water. Local fire departments from Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Sussex, Morris and Warren counties are assisting, the agency said.
The fire is still under investigation.
All outdoor burning is banned, including fireworks, the Forest Fire Service said, as New Jersey remains under an extreme wildfire threat Sunday evening. The current fire danger threat is red, the highest warning level, across the state, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said on its website.
All fires are prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas, or electricity, and no charcoal fires are allowed, the website said. The National Weather Service recorded the third-driest September-October period in 130 years, with records dating back to 1895.
Staff Writer Mary Ann Koruth contributed to this report