Large Forest Fire Breaks in Pompton Lakes

1

Pompton Lakes, NJ — The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is currently managing the Cannonball 3 Wildfire, which has spread across 75 acres near Cannonball Road in Pompton Lakes, Passaic County, threatening 55 structures though no evacuations have been ordered.

Crews on-site are establishing firelines and employing backfiring techniques, a controlled burn of vegetation in the wildfire’s projected path, to slow its progress and assist containment efforts. However, these operations are facing challenges from gusty winds that have hampered attempts to curb the fire’s forward momentum.

The fire, which remains 0% contained, has impacted local transportation, particularly on Interstate 287 near the Wanaque River, where smoke has reduced visibility. In response, local fire companies are providing additional protection for structures potentially in the wildfire’s path.

Resources continue to be mobilized, with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service deploying engines and ground crews to manage the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

This fire is one of nine that the state agency has been battling along with local fire companies this weekend. Photo is of the Jackson “Shotgun” fire in Jackson Township.