Full Notification

This morning, the National Park Service provided an update to Knowlton Township regarding the forest fire that began yesterday on Mount Tammany in the Delaware Water Gap.  Here is what we know:

• The fire remains active and is being responded to by the NJ Forest Service and National Park Service. 
• Over 70 acres has been consumed so far.  The land affected is in Worthington State Forest.
• The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it did not begin as a controlled or prescribed burn. 
• The fire service expects to keep the fire contained to the west of the talus slope, which is the area of large boulders located next to trailhead entrance.  They are aware that there are homes and businesses to the east  and will have spotters posted on the ridge who would be able to give advance notice if the fire were to spread in that direction. 
• Helicopters will continue dropping water onto the mountain today.  Retardant could be used if needed, but it is not expected at this time. 
• Route 80 is open and moving normally at this time
• The area is closed to the public until further notice.
• The National Park Service and NJ Forest Service will provide another update later this afternoon.  Knowlton Fire and Rescue and Knowlton OEM will continue to monitor the situation throughout the day and use Nixle to post critical information to residents.