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The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York’s Division of Forest Protection and Fire Management are working in unified command to strengthen containment lines in preparation for tomorrow’s forecasted weather.
Firefighters focused efforts Tuesday, Nov. 12 on reinforcing the eastern containment line, using controlled burns to remove unburned pockets of fuel.
Resources deployed include fire engines, ground crews, and a Forest Fire Service helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water. The blaze, under investigation, currently threatens two residential structures in New Jersey and eight historical buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District.
Nearby roads and trails remain closed, including East Shore and Beech Roads, along with all trails in Long Pond Ironworks State Park, Tranquility Ridge, and Ringwood State Park’s Ringwood Manor section.
Conditions remain challenging as northwest winds of 10-20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, have dried fuels and reduced relative humidity levels to 30-40%.
These conditions support rapid fire spread, making containment efforts critical. Stage 3 Fire Restrictions are now in effect statewide, prohibiting all fires except those in elevated stoves using propane, natural gas, or electricity, and banning charcoal fires.
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