By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Union County announced that four members of the Summit Fire Department assisted the West Milford Fire Department and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service at the Jennings Creek wildfire on Monday, November 11, in West Milford.
According to Union County officials, the wildfire began on Saturday, November 9, and spread along the New Jersey-New York border.
As of Tuesday morning, November 12, the NJ Forest Fire Service reported that the fire had spread to approximately 3,500 acres and was 20% contained, Union County officials say.
Union County officials said it has threatened more than 55 structures in the area, including the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District.
Summit authorities stated that on Monday morning, Summit Engine 1 met with the Union County Task Force, which included the Summit, Plainfield, Kenilworth, Springfield, and Berkeley Heights fire departments. Union County was assigned to structural protection for the more than 55 homes that were in danger due to the active wildfire.
Summit firefighters assisted with drafting water for one operational period, approximately ten hours, on Monday, Union County authorities said.
Drafting is the process through which water is extracted from a static source to a fire engine. Summit Engine 1 performed the drafting process at the Monksville Reservoir, supplying fire engines and tenders (auxiliary fire vehicles), which transported the water to the defensive operational lines at the wildfire, Summit officials say.
“This is a great example of how the New Jersey fire service comes together during emergencies to assist one another, protecting nature and the public,” says Summit Fire Chief Eric Evers.
“Assisting in a wildfire of this magnitude is not a common occurrence for our department. I am extremely proud of our firefighters and the good work they did in West Milford yesterday and every day here in Summit and nearby communities.”