MAYOR RAS J. BARAKA STATEMENT

ON FIRE AT NEWARK WATERSHED

“A fire at our 35,000-acre watershed in Morris and Passaic Counties has impacted about 1,000 acres near our Echo Lake Reservoir, threatening our Recreation Center there.

“The blaze is now out after four days of firefighters and first responders from 20 different agencies battling to keep it under control, and there is no threat to our water quality.

“I would like to thank all of them for their effort, which the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service has led. In addition, volunteer and professional fire departments from West Milford, Picatinny Arsenal, Kinnelon, and other surrounding towns, and emergency services units from University Hospital, Montclair, were on the scene, and the Newark Department of Water and Sewer Utilities.

“Without their combined efforts, this fire could have become a significant disaster for homeowners and wildlife in the area. Instead, they have managed to contain it and protect our watershed and residents in the affected area.”

• NEWARK –