A fast-moving brush fire scorched approximately 100 acres of land along Route 46 in Warren County on Friday, prompting a large emergency response and temporary road closures as crews battled to contain the blaze.

The fire broke out shortly after 12:30 p.m. on May 2, 2025, in a wooded area near Tannery Road and Russling Road in Independence Township, near Hackettstown. According to officials from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS), the fire was about 75% contained by Friday evening, with firefighters working into the night to extinguish remaining hotspots.

Firefighting Response and Containment

The NJFFS, along with multiple local fire departments, mobilized to combat the flames using ground crews, bulldozers, and an aerial firefighting helicopter capable of dropping 300 gallons of water per flight. Crews created containment lines to stop the fire from spreading further into residential areas.

Initially, 25 structures were threatened, but that number dropped to one by Friday night. Two small outbuildings were damaged, though no homes were lost. Authorities confirmed that no injuries or evacuations were reported.

“We are grateful for the swift response of all fire crews and emergency personnel,” said a spokesperson from the NJFFS. “Our priority remains public safety and full containment of the fire.”

Road Closures and Traffic Disruption

The blaze forced the temporary closure of Route 46 between Liberty Township and Hackettstown, as well as nearby Tannery and Russling roads. The closures caused significant traffic delays but were lifted later in the evening once the fire was under better control.

Drivers were urged to avoid the area throughout the day to allow crews unobstructed access to fight the fire. New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) monitored and managed detours during the incident.

Smoke, Air Quality, and Resident Impact

Local residents reported thick plumes of smoke spreading throughout the area. Several businesses on Route 46 took precautionary measures, and some closed early due to visibility and safety concerns. There were no air quality alerts issued, though residents were advised to remain indoors and limit outdoor activities if sensitive to smoke.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is expected to conduct an environmental impact assessment once the fire is fully extinguished.

Ongoing Monitoring and Weather Aid

Crews remained on scene overnight Friday into Saturday to ensure that no flare-ups reignited. Officials expressed cautious optimism that rainfall expected over the weekend would help extinguish remaining hotspots and stabilize the area.

“This fire serves as a reminder of the importance of wildfire preparedness, especially during dry conditions,” said the NJFFS. The agency recommends that residents review fire safety tips at njwildfire.org.

Public Safety Advisory

The Forest Fire Service urged the public to stay clear of the fire zone and to avoid flying drones, which can interfere with aerial firefighting operations. Anyone witnessing new flare-ups or suspicious activity is asked to report it immediately to local authorities or call 911.

For ongoing updates, visit the New Jersey Forest Fire Service’s official page and follow @NJForestFire on Twitter.

Conclusion

The Hackettstown wildfire underscores the increasing risks posed by dry conditions and seasonal brush buildup across New Jersey. While this incident resulted in no casualties and minimal structural damage, it serves as a stark reminder of how quickly wildfires can threaten communities. Authorities continue to monitor the area and stress the importance of public awareness, preparedness, and cooperation during fire events. As containment efforts progress, residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and to exercise caution when in or near wooded areas during high-risk weather conditions.