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Another brush fire is currently burning in Rockaway Township, New Jersey. The fire, which started around 7 a.m., has already consumed 50 acres near Notch Road. The cause of the fire is still unknown. The ongoing warm and dry weather conditions have increased the risk of brush fires, with a red flag warning in effect across the tri-state area.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that the fire in the area of Farny State Park was 70% contained as of Sunday evening. The fire ignited just days after state officials warned of "very high" fire risks throughout the state due to exceptionally dry weather. The National Weather Service issued a similar warning on Friday. "We don’t see any relief in sight," weather service meteorologist Paul Fitzsimmons said of the ongoing dearth of rain. He cautioned that the current drought is expected to continue for "a week or so." (NorthJersey.com)
State crews have been using helicopters to douse the blaze with hundreds of gallons of water, while municipal fire departments from Morris County have been providing mutual aid to protect structures in the area. As of Sunday evening, 13 structures remained threatened, down from 30 earlier in the day.
The Forest Fire Service is still investigating the cause of the Rockaway Township wildfire. The ongoing dry spell combined with high temperatures has stressed New Jersey's water supply, leading to a statewide drought watch issued by Gov. Phil Murphy's office. The lack of rainfall has led to abnormally dry conditions across the area, with a moderate drought expanding across South and Central Jersey, while severe drought conditions have spread throughout all of Ocean County. (NBC New York)