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Visible from across the Hudson River, the blaze has turned the scenic cliffs into an intense battle zone, with flames licking at the steep, rocky terrain and sending plumes of smoke billowing into the evening sky.
The fire, fueled by dry brush and challenging cliffside conditions, remains only 30% contained as of Friday morning, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Crews from Fort Lee, Englewood, Ridgefield, Leonia, Edgewater, and more have joined the Forest Fire Service in an all-out effort to stop the blaze from spreading further along the cliffs.
The Forest Fire Service has deployed a specialized helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water to assist in the battle against the flames. The chopper swoops low over the cliffs, releasing heavy streams of water to dampen the blaze and give ground crews a fighting chance. Firefighters on the ground, armed with hoses and shovels, work tirelessly to create firelines, starving the fire and preventing it from advancing further.
Henry Hudson Drive is closed as crews work, and with New Jersey under a Stage 3 fire restriction, officials are urging extreme caution due to high wildfire risks across the state. No structures are currently threatened, and no evacuations have been necessary, according to the Forest Fire Service. However, the eerie glow of flames against the cliffside and the thick haze over the park remind residents of the fire’s unpredictable nature.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Firefighters are asking people to keep drones away from the area, as they can interfere with crucial aerial firefighting efforts. “If YOU fly, WE can’t!” officials warned in a statement, emphasizing the importance of keeping the skies clear for firefighting helicopters.
With conditions still dry, authorities warn that the risk of further fires remains high. Crews will continue working on containment, determined to bring this cliffside blaze under control before it has a chance to grow.
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