Numerous wind-whipped wildfires burn across N.J. on gusty, dry day

While firefighter continue to battle a 3,500 acre wildfire in West Milford along the state’s border with New York, fire officials are still dealing with numerous other wildfires across the state amid wind gusts up to 35 mph.
“The forecasted winds are concerning to the Forest Fire Service for the wildfires that continue to burn across the state,” the state Department of Environmental Protection said on Tuesday. “Forest Fire Service crews continue to monitor and address areas of concern on all active wildfires that have not been declared ‘out.’”
Among those fires being watched is a 39-acre blaze near the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood, Bergen County. Firefighters achieved 75% containment on Saturday when officials issued what they said was the final update for that fire.
A red flag warning is in effect until 6 p.m. for Passaic and Bergen counties as well as Essex, Hudson and Union counties due to dry, windy conditions.
A 30 mph gust was recored near West Milford shortly before 2 p.m., the National Weather Service said.
“A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected or occurring,” the weather service said Tuesday morning. “A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels will create a significantly elevated fire growth potential.”
Three other wildfires around the state that broke out last week were mostly contained by Friday evening. Officials said all would continue to be monitored and that smoke might be visible in the area. They include:
A 37-year-old Brick man was charged with arson for allegedly firing his shotgun and sparking the wildfire in Jackson.
A wildfire that burned 181 acres in the area of Cannonball Road in Pompton Lakes was declared 100% contained by the state Forest Fire Service on Sunday. At one point 55 structures were threatened, though no evacuations were needed.
Fire officials said Sunday that they will remain in the area to monitor containment lines.
Though winds are expected to diminish this evening and remain light for the rest of the week, no rain is in the forecast through Monday raising concerns about additional fires.
The state Forest Fire Service responded to 507 fire incidents in October.
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Jeff Goldman may be reached at [email protected].