A four-day long fire at the Newark Watershed in Morris and Passaic Counties was finally contained after firefighters battled to extinguish the flames. The fire, which began on Thursday, April 13th, continued to spread across the forested area, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for nearby residents.
According to officials, the fire started in the Newark Watershed land in Jefferson Township, Morris County, and eventually spread to Passaic County. It was fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, making it difficult for firefighters to control the flames. The fire was finally contained on Monday, April 17th, after over 100 firefighters from various departments worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze.
The Newark Watershed is a vital source of water for the city of Newark and the surrounding areas. While officials say that the water supply was not affected by the fire, the loss of forest cover could have serious long-term consequences for the ecosystem and water quality.
“I would like to thank all of them for their effort, which the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service has led. In addition, volunteer and professional fire departments from West Milford, Picatinny Arsenal, Kinnelon, and other surrounding towns, and emergency services units from University Hospital, Montclair, were on the scene, and the Newark Department of Water and Sewer Utilities,” Mayor Ras J. Baraka said in a statement.
“Without their combined efforts, this fire could have become a significant disaster for homeowners and wildlife in the area. Instead, they have managed to contain it and protect our watershed and residents in the affected area,” he continued.
The Newark Watershed spans over 35,000 acres and is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. It is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor recreation, and the fire has had a significant impact on the local community.
