WEST MILFORD, N.J. (Sept. 6, 2025) — New Jersey Forest Fire Service crews reported 90% containment Saturday night of the Buckabear Wildfire in Passaic County after four days of work building and improving firelines.

The fire was first spotted by the Milton Fire Tower at 1:32 p.m. Tuesday. It expanded to about 200 acres by the weekend, officials said.

No structures were threatened and no evacuations were ordered.

Clinton Road remained closed between Goldfinch Lane and Van Orden Road, and the Clinton Reservoir boat launch was closed.

Engines, ground crews and a helicopter capable of 325-gallon bucket drops were used during the response. The cause is under investigation.

Officials said crews would stay on scene for the next several days to strengthen containment lines and address hot spots, and smoke could persist until significant rain falls. The agency said this was the final update unless conditions change.

Crews continued work Saturday as the fire entered its fourth day.