A massive 3,500-acre wildfire continues to rage on the New Jersey-New York border due to gusty winds

Firefighters are facing “significant challenges” Tuesday because of gusty winds as they work to contain a large wildfire on the New Jersey-New York border that continues to spread to 3,500 acres, officials said.

The wildfires in West Milford and Orange County, New York, were still 20% contained as of Tuesday morning – the same as Monday evening, the state forest fire department said in a mid-morning update.

A red flag warning is in effect for northeastern New Jersey, including Passaic County, due to dry and windy conditions, the National Weather Service said.

The warning is in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and also covers Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

The weather service expects northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with occasional gusts of up to 35 mph through early evening.

“A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected or occurring,” the weather service said. “A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels will create significantly increased fire growth potential.”

Two homes in West Milford and eight other buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District are under threat Tuesday, although no evacuations are taking place, officials said.

Beech Road remains closed, as does East Shore Road between Awosting Road and Greenwood Lake Turnpike.

Additionally, all trails in Long Pond Ironworks State Park, Tranquility Ridge and the Ringwood Manor area of ​​Ringwood State Park are closed.

A helicopter with a capacity of 350 gallons of water and fire engines remain on scene Tuesday to assist in fighting the fire.

The good news is that the wind will decrease significantly from Wednesday and no gusty winds are expected for the rest of the week.

However, no rain is forecast for days. Forecasters expect it to remain dry at least until Monday.

The fire started midday Saturday, spread to 2,500 acres and was 0% contained as of Sunday morning