Wildfire Burning in New Jersey Close to Parts of the Hudson Valley

Remember When The Jennings Creek Wildfire Burns Across NY and NJ?

Back in November of 2024, firefighters from the Hudson Valley battled along side New Jersey firefighters in the biggest wildfire in New Jersey's history since 2008.

The Jennings Creek Wildfire burned for 14 days, starting on November 10th and then full contained by November 24th. During that time the fire blazed through 5,304 acres of land.

Over 400 fire companies and 1,300 firefighters help battle the flames.

READ MORE: Remember the Wildfires at Sam's Point in 2016?

Sadly one volunteer firefighter, 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, lost his life while battling the blaze. Vasquez was putting out fires in Sterling Forest in Rockland County when a tree fell on top of him.

Now it looks like another blaze has begun to burn around the same region.

Buckabear Wildfire Burns in West Milford Township, New Jersey

On Wednesday, September 2nd 2025, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service announced that fire crews were "on scene of a wildfire burning in the area of Clinton Road in West Milford Twp, Passaic County."

At the time of the announcement 70 acres had already burned, with 0% containment. Forest Fire service fire engines, ground crews and a Forest Fire Service helicopter were all on scene to help with containment.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service Facebook page will continually update their page with details like size and containment percentage of the fire, structures that may be threatened by the fire, what roads are affects, resources being used and more.

Take a look below at the update from Wednesday September 3rd.

According to the post, the current cause of the Buckabear Wildfire is still under investigation.

How To Prepare For a Wildfire in New York

If you look at the map provided by New Jersey Forest Fire Service, you'll see that the Buckabear Wildfire is rather close to the New York, Orange County boarder.

Much like the Jennings Wildfire, there's always a chance these fires could spread to New York.

The New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services put together a list of ways to protect yourself during a wildfire.

Here are a few steps to follow if you're near an active wildfire:

• Pay attention to emergency alerts and notifications for information and instructions.
• Evacuate immediately if authorities tell you to do so!
• Check with local authorities for the latest information about public shelters.
• Consider making plans with friends or family to shelter with them where you may be safer and more comfortable.
• If trapped, call 9-1-1 and give your location, but be aware that emergency response could be delayed or impossible. Turn on lights to help rescuers find you.

Learn more on their website DHSES.ny.gov..