West Milford, N.J. – Fire crews in northern New Jersey are continuing efforts to contain the Buckabear wildfire in Passaic County, where flames have already scorched 160 acres of forest. The blaze, burning in West Milford Township, is 40% contained as of Wednesday evening.
According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, no homes or structures are threatened, and no evacuations have been ordered. However, Clinton Road remains closed between Goldfinch Lane and Van Orden Road, cutting off a heavily traveled route through the township.
More than a dozen fire engines and ground crews are on the scene, digging firelines and monitoring hotspots to prevent the flames from spreading deeper into wooded terrain. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Drivers are urged to avoid the closure zone and give emergency crews space to work. Officials also remind residents that drones are prohibited in active fire zones, as even a single drone in the air can ground firefighting aircraft.
The Forest Fire Service said the next update will be released around 9:30 a.m. Thursday, with containment expected to improve overnight.
