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UPDATE: Multi-acre wildfire in Rockaway Township is 50% contained

Named the Craigmeur Lookout Wildfire, it began Thursday night, and by Friday morning the "wildfire burning in the area of Notch Road in Rockaway Twp., Morris County" was estimated at 65 acres. Updates throughout Friday by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service on its Facebook page had the wildfire up to 118 acres by late afternoon.

As of 8 p.m. Friday, the wildfire was at 140 acres with 30 percent contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Facebook post. The number of structures threatened (13) and how many structures had been evacuated (eight) on Green Pond Road remained the same as reported earlier Friday.

The Forest Fire Service also said Green Pond Road continued to be closed in the area of the Craigmeur Ski Area.

Early Friday morning, Assistant Division Forest Fire Warden Eric Weber said they were estimating the fire to be roughly 65 acres, but they were still gathering data "now that the sun is out." An update posted on Facebook at about 11:25 a.m. confirmed the fire spanned 65 acres, and was 10% contained, with three structures threatened.

The Forest Fire Service's next update on Facebook at 4 p.m. said that the fire was about 10% contained, but spanning 118 acres. The update also said 13 structures were threatened and eight structures were evacuated. And along with that update, the Forest Fire Service said Green Pond Road was closed in the area of the Craigmeur Ski Area.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Forest Fire Service was notified of the fire by Rockaway Township at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday, according to Weber who said that they had been working on the fire all night.

Per a post on Facebook, the service has deployed fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews and two helicopters capable of dropping 350 gallons of water each.

"We're establishing fire lines, improving fire lines, and looking to achieve containment as soon as possible," said Weber. "We'd like it by tonight, but we'll see, the conditions today, red flag conditions if that is going to be possible or not."

The Rockaway Township and Green Pond Volunteer Fire Departments are assisting the Forest Fire Service in containing this fire, according to a post on Facebook from the Rockaway Township Fire Department.

"Reminder that all outdoor burning is banned and includes fireworks," says the post. "If you see active flames in the woods call 911 immediately."

This fire comes about 10 days after a wildfire burned through 77 acres near Jacobs Road in Rockaway Township and as fire danger remains high around the state after weeks of dry conditions.

Red flag warning

On Friday morning, the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning which means that "critical fire weather conditions are expected or occurring," with a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels that "will create a significantly elevated fire growth potential."

Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Essex, Union, Sussex, Warren and Morris counties are all included in the red flag warning.

In Morris County, the NWS is predicting wind gusts up to 30 mph and temperatures in the mid to upper 70s saying, "Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended."

"The fuels are dry, right, we call the forest 'fuels' and they're dry and receptive to fires so that would definitely aid in the size of this fire, the dry conditions that we're experiencing," said Weber. "We still have fire restrictions in place. We've been busy obviously, you've been seeing us the last couple of days, so just be extra careful with fire and we'll see what the day brings with that red flag."

The warning is set to remain in effect until 7 p.m. Friday evening.

Follow up-to-the-minute score updates from all of the high school football playoff games across Bergen, Passaic, Morris and Sussex counties.

Friday

NORTH 1, GROUP 1

(8) Weehawken at (1) Butler, 7 p.m.

(6) Lenape Valley at (3) Mountain Lakes, 7 p.m.

(7) Park Ridge at (2) New Milford, 7 p.m.

NORTH 2, GROUP 1

(8) Wallkill Valley at (1) Cedar Grove, 7 p.m.

(5) Belvidere at (4) Verona, 7 p.m.

(6) Wood-Ridge at (3) Hasbrouck Heights, 7 p.m.

NORTH 1, GROUP 2

(8) Lakeland at (1) Westwood, 7 p.m.

(5) Shabazz at (4) Caldwell, 7 p.m.

(6) Madison at (3) Pequannock, 6:30 p.m.

(7) Rutherford at (2) Bernards, 7 p.m.

NORTH 2, GROUP 2

(5) Becton at (4) High Point, 6:30 p.m.

(6) Lyndhurst at (3) Ramsey, 7 p.m.

(7) Newton at (2) Hanover Park, 7 p.m.

Watch HS football live on NFHS Network

NORTH 1, GROUP 3

(8) West Milford at (1) Pascack Valley, 6 p.m.

(6) Snyder at (3) Passaic Valley, 6:30 p.m.

(7) River Dell at (2) Mendham, 7 p.m.

NORTH 2, GROUP 3

(8) Weequahic at (1) Old Tappan, 6 p.m.

(5) Summit at (4) Cranford, 7 p.m.

(6) Wayne Hills at (3) West Morris, 7:30 p.m.

(7) Dwight Morrow at (2) West Essex, 6:30 p.m.

NORTH 1, GROUP 4

(5) Newark Central at (4) Mount Olive, 6:30 p.m.

(6) Randolph at (3) Ramapo, 7 p.m.

(7) Rahway at (2) Ridge, 7 p.m.

NORTH 2, GROUP 4

(8) Nutley at (1) Phillipsburg, 7 p.m.

(5) Chatham at (4) Wayne Valley, 6:30 p.m.

(6) Westfield at (3) Northern Highlands, 6:15 p.m.

(7) Watchung Hills at (2) Woodbridge, 6 p.m.

NORTH 1, GROUP 5

(8) Passaic at (1) Ridgewood, 6:30 p.m.

(7) Linden at (2) West Orange, 7 p.m.

NORTH 2, GROUP 5

(8) Newark East Side at (1) Union City, 7 p.m.

(5) Irvington at (4) Bridgewater-Raritan, 7 p.m.

(6) Plainfield at (3) Passaic Tech, 6 p.m.

(7) Morristown at (2) Elizabeth, 6 p.m.

REGULAR SEASON

Pingry at Morristown Beard, 2:30 p.m.

Don Bosco at St. Peter’s Prep, 7 p.m.

Delbarton at Paramus Catholic, 7 p.m.

Hudson Catholic at Morris Catholic, 7 p.m.

Watch HS football live on NFHS Network

Saturday

NORTH 1, GROUP 1

(5) Pompton Lakes at (4) Glen Ridge, noon

NORTH 2, GROUP 1

(7) Boonton at (2) New Providence, 2 p.m.

NORTH 2, GROUP 2

(8) Waldwick/Midland Park at (1) Glen Rock, 1 p.m.

NORTH 1, GROUP 3

(5) Sparta at (4) Montville, 3 p.m.

NORTH 1, GROUP 4

(8) Colonia at (1) Morris Knolls, 1 p.m.

NORTH 1, GROUP 5

(5) Montclair at (4) East Orange, 1 p.m.

(6) Bayonne at (3) Piscataway, 1 p.m.

REGULAR SEASON

St. Michael (Va.) at Pope John, noon

Seton Hall Prep at Bergen Catholic, 1 p.m.

DePaul at St. Joseph, 2 p.m.

SFC IVY CHAMPIONSHIP

Demarest vs. Cliffside Park/Ridgefield, 2 p.m. at North Bergen

While it is always fun to end a night of trick-or-treating with a massive pillowcase of candy, it can sometimes be hard to finish all of those sweets.

Maybe you bought way too much candy for the number of trick-or-treaters that knock on your door.

If either of those are the case, you're in luck, as charitable organizations and local businesses all around the country run candy buyback programs directly after Halloween. They will typically take candy back from you and donate it to a good cause, whether that be to military members overseas or kids in local hospitals.

If you are looking to donate some of your unopened Halloween candy this year, check out these local businesses that are running such programs.

Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics in Hackettstown, Newton and Cedar Knolls

Bring your candy to Bright Smiles 4 Kids in Hackettstown, Newton-Sparta Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Newton, or Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Cedar Knolls during office hours on Nov. 1, 4, and 5 for $1 per pound, up to $5 per person.

The first-place winner will receive a Sno-Storm Vipernex Sled and a $25 Nintendo E-Shop Gift Card.

Second place will receive a $25 Crumbl Cookie Gift Card, and third place will receive a $10 Starbucks Gift Card. Winners will be announced Nov. 6.

Ramsey Family Dental, Ramsey

Ramsey Family Dental will be collecting candy from Nov. 5 through Nov. 8 at $1 per pound, up to 5 pounds per child.

The collected candy will be donated to Center for Food Action, New Jersey.

Carter Smile, Madison

From Nov. 4 through 8 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., you can bring your unopened Halloween candy to Carter Smile in Madison and exchange it for cash.

Participants can exchange their candy for $1 per pound, up to 10 pounds. The candy will be donated to Dominican Nuns in Summit and monetary donations will benefit MyFace.

Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph, Randolph

The Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph will be collecting candy through Nov. 15 for first responders, kids in the hospital and Navy sailors overseas.

Rockaway Orthodontics, Rockaway

Rockaway Orthodontics will be collecting candy on Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The candy will be collected in support of the nonprofit Solders' Angels' "Treats for Troops" Candy Donation Drive and sent to VA hospitals, bases, guards and reserve units affiliated with Soldiers' Angels.

To see other Soldiers' Angels candy drop-off locations in the region, check out the Treats for Troops candy map at https://soldiersangels.org/volunteer/special-campaigns/treats-for-troops/treats-for-troops-dropoff-locations/.

4-minute read

Andi Mitchell left the cushy security of home for the uncertain road of fame before she could legally drive a car.

But she felt prepared for the daunting challenge, she says now, six years later, because she was blessed with loads of confidence and tons of support from the most important people in her life.

To see her onstage, well — it is not at all surprising. The habitually positive Mitchell commands the same energy as any pop superstar, and she does so independently, without the backing of a record label. She also writes her own lyrics, drawing inspo from unique experiences, which usually revolve around broken hearts or painful breakups.

She is, to borrow one of the many words that she uses to describe herself, “shameless.”

“I’ve always been a very loud person,” says Mitchell, 22, a native of Upper Saddle River, who lives in the Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles. To be a professional singer, she adds, was “always something that I wanted to do, and I couldn’t really control it.”

Entertainment:These artisan chocolatiers in North Jersey make unique treats off the beaten path

It is the spirit of her very existence: A tendency to feel so much that she practically bursts with emotions.

Her latest release, “Call You Mine,” epitomizes that style. “You keep me like spare change,” she sings, and “I keep you like my greatest secret.”

Mitchell, who performs simply as Andi, headlined her first European tour — The Dumb Blonde Tour — in September, filling music venues in major cities that included Berlin; Copenhagen, Denmark; and London. Her debut circuit came in the spring of 2023, when she booked 26 shows in California and throughout the country, from Phoenix and San Antonio to The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park.

About 22½ hours of travel time separated her from her L.A. apartment to The Hague, Netherlands, the initial stop on her most recent run of gigs. Three hundred screaming fans crammed into PAARD, a famous concert hall that has hosted the likes of Prince and U2.

That Mitchell is able to win over such audiences has still not sunk in, she admits. “None of it ever really feels real,” she says. “It kind of feels like I’m just showing up, and it’s happening. I’m still processing that I’m actually doing it.”

She owes a lot of her success, she says, to a steady flow of content on social media. (Her presence on TikTok has amassed 1.3 million followers.)

In a way, though, it is more than a mere presence. Mitchell says she actively engages her fans by asking for their input on cover art for upcoming singles and for lyrics. “I’ve tried making it a community as much as I could,” she says.

Perhaps most appreciable about her work ethic is the way that she writes her songs. Without warning, she says, a thought for her next big hit will cross her mind, together with a sense of panic to jot it down on the nearest scrap of paper — or to record it using the Voice Memos app on her iPhone. The chorus for one of her most popular songs, “Crazier Best Friend,” released in February 2023, was written as she got her hair done at a Ramsey salon, she says.

Speaking of hair, Mitchell — despite her tour name — is a true brunette.

“I’m a fake blonde, through and through,” she says. “My hair has been so incredibly bleached. For the amount of dye that’s in it, it’s so healthy and long.”

Falling hard

Mitchell had only completed her sophomore year at Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale when she made that weighty decision to pack up for the West Coast in the summer of 2018. She would have graduated with the class of 2020, but she opted to finish her studies through Laurel Springs School, a tuition-based online academy.

She was a fixture, she says, at local playhouses; and for six weeks each summer, she went to Stagedoor Manor, a sleepaway camp for performing arts tucked amid the Catskills in Loch Sheldrake, New York.

Robert Downey Jr. and Natalie Portman are among the celebrities who attended the camp. It was there that Mitchell met someone who became a lifelong confidante. Eventually, their paths crossed in L.A., and she says the close friend helped her to acclimate to the industry by introducing her to other musicians and by taking her to open-mic events.

That is how she met her first record producer, she says.

But it was almost two years before Mitchell released her first song. “Everyone’s the Same,” which came out in February 2020, is about a potential date who she says stood her up in real life.

Unrequited love is a theme that runs deep in many of her tracks. “Reasons to Stay,” released in November 2021, was written about another former flame — a UCLA football player and, according to her, a “total player, overall.” The song, which she says is a personal favorite of the 28 that she has recorded, confronts the issue of her own naivety.

“There were so many red flags,” Mitchell says about her relationship with the young man. “I didn’t realize that someone could do a million bad things to you but then, try to make it up by doing one little good thing.”

Her recommendation for up-and-coming singers is that they should promote themselves as much as possible because it is the “best way to get heard.” Do not be embarrassed, she says.

“There’s no point in ever being embarrassed — especially about the things that you love,” Mitchell says. “I think it’s really endearing to love the things that you love really intensely.”

Mitchell has two concerts lined up for this month: at Public Records in Brooklyn on Nov. 22, and at Racket NYC in Manhattan on Nov. 29.

Follow Andi Mitchell on Instagram @ andimitchelll, or on TikTok @ andimitchellll.

Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: devencentis@northjersey.com

As we begin November, North Jersey has something for everyone - indoors and outdoors, passive and active.

Music is always plentiful and varied in North Jersey, and this weekend you can catch a Kiss tribute band in Teaneck, the Leonia Chamber Musicians and an homage to Gabriel Faure in Ringwood. If you still need some Halloween things to do, there is a family event at the zoo in West Orange and a horror-comedy theater production in Montclair. To get your daily steps, compete in the Harrington Park 5K, participate in the Hunger Walk in Wanaque to benefit a food pantry, and attend the bird walk in Hawthorne (bring binoculars!).

Plus, there is an outdoor movie in Nutley, a sensory friendly car show in Saddle Brook and an animal rescue benefit in Sandyston with a medium. Scroll down for all the details and the weather forecast.

Weather forecast for Oct. 31-Nov. 3

According to the National Weather Service:

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Safe Howl-O-Ween at Turtle Back Zoo

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. and the Board of County Commissioners invite everyone to dress in costume and go trick-or-treating in the zoo neighborhood on Thursday. There will be candy stations throughout the grounds. Bring your own reusuable candy bag. In addition, Dr. Diabolical’s Mad Science Show will be on the Amphitheater Stage. Plus, attendees can enjoy a not-too-scary Spooky Storytime with a costumed character, play a game and take home a creepy craft.

Go: Safe Howl-O-Ween at the Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange. 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, last admission at 7 p.m. Dr. Diabolical at 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. $5; $3 for Zoological Society members; free for children under 2; additional fee for Spooky Storytime at 4:15, 5:15, 6:15 or 7:15 p.m. turtlebackzoo.com.

World premiere of 'Cordially, Indisposed' in Montclair

On Hallow-weekend, Vanguard Theater brings this horror-comedy to Montclair on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Written by Doraine Swain, "Cordially, Indisposed" tells the darkly comedic story of a mad scientist determined to create the perfect partner using A.I., and a touch of madness. The Maker is on the brink of success, but the catch? Her "perfect specimens" are her exes, and for the process to work, they have to die to surrender pieces of their souls. As The Maker harvests these vital traits, she is forced to relive the trauma of the relationships that left her resolutely "indisposed."

Starring Doriane Swain as The Maker; Tiffany Terrell as her A.I. creation, Eureka; and Nick Young as The Exes, this twisted tale is directed by Jared Haas, with production coordination by Jeff Parsons. The fun kicks off on Halloween night with a costume party and specialty cocktails, followed by Tarot Readings & Tequila on Friday, and more surprises throughout the weekend at Vanguard’s full-service bar.

Go: "Cordially, Indisposed" at Vanguard Theater, 180 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, second floor. 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. $25 to $50. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/Cordiallytix. Walking up stairs is required. Contact boxoffice@dreamvtc.org with questions about accessibility.

Movie under the stars in Nutley - 'Inside Out 2'

Spectators are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket and view the movie on a large blown-up screen - equipped with a new sound system - which will be set in the grass field in Glotzbach Park.

In the movie, two years after her move to San Francisco, 13-year-old Riley Andersen is entering high school. Her personified emotions — Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger — now oversee a newly formed element of Riley's mind called her Sense of Self, which houses memories and feelings that shape Riley's beliefs.

Go: "Inside Out 2: at Glotzbach Park, 44 Park Ave., Nutley. 7 p.m. Friday. Concessions and refreshments, available for purchase, will be available beginning at 6. For information, contact the Nutley Recreation Department at 973-284-4966, between 8 and 4 p.m.

Sensory friendly car show in Saddle Brook

In a joint collaboration, Legacy Empowerment Services, the Saddle Brook Angels and Saddle Brook Recreation are coming together to host this free event for car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts. Children and adults of all abilities are welcome.

Go: Sensory Friendly Car Show at 55 Mayhill St., Saddle Brook. 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Free. saddlebrooknj.us

Harrington Park 5K

The 22nd annual Harrington Park 5K Fall Spectacular is on Saturday at the high school with a Kiddie Dash for ages 6 and under, and a Mile Fun Run for ages 9 and under, in addition to the 5K run. Awards will be presented to the top three males and females overall; the top three males and females in each five year age group from ages 10 to 84, ages 9 and under, and 85 and over; top three male and female Harrington Park residents; top three male and female Harrington Park School students in grades K to 8; and the top three Harrington Park fastest families (using aggregate of immediate families' three fastest times).

The awards ceremony will be in the school gym, restrooms are indoors, the course has water stations at mile clocks at the first and second miles, and parking will be available at Borough Hall, Community Church and on the street.

Go: The Harrington Park 5K Fall Spectacular at Harrington Park High School, 191 Harriot Ave. Saturday. Registration and packet pickup at 8 a.m., Kiddie Dash at 9, Mile Fun Run at 9:15, 5K run/walk at 10 and awards at 11. $30; $27 for USATF-NJ members and students ages 14 and under; $10 for the Mile Fun Run; $5 for the Kiddie Dash. Visit hp5k.org for information.

Fall bird walk in Hawthorne

The Hawthorne Environmental Commission and Hawthorne Green Team will host this walk at Eight Acre Woods for those interested in learning about and identifying local birds. Bring binoculars and look for fall migrants, wintering birds, waterfowl and raptors. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk 1.5 to two miles at a slow pace.

Go: Fall Bird Walk at Eight Acre Woods in Hawthorne. Meet at the entrance on Maitland Avenue near the Boys and Girls Club. 9 a.m. Saturday. Rain cancels. For information, contact Lisa DeVos at 201-851-6275. hawthornenj.org

Diana Witch animal rescue fundraiser in Sandyston

Diana Witch, connecting with those that have passed over, will be in Sandyston on Saturday as a fundraiser for Cold Nose Warm Heart Animal Rescue.

Go: Diana Witch at the Sandyston Municipal Building, 133 Route 645. 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. $50. Venmo @coldnosewarmheart (last four digits 7378) or PayPal.me/coldnosewarmheart. Include name or names with "MEDIUM" in comments. Send questions to dianawitchreadings@gmail.com.

Psycho Circus NYC - Kiss tribute in Teaneck

This tribute to the band Kiss comes to Debonair Music Hall on Saturday. Relive the Kiss experience as they recreate the sound and performances of Kiss with full costume, makeup and rock and roll attitude.

Go: Psycho Circus NYC at Debonair Music Hall, 1409 Queen Anne Road, Teaneck. 8 p.m. Saturday. Doors open at 7. Advance tickets are $20 general admission; $25 reserved seating. Add $5 for day of show tickets. psychocircusnyc.com, debonairmusichall.com

Hunger walk

Walk on Sunday to raise money for the Center for Food Action's Ringwood food pantry. Donations of funds to buy food to assist neighbors in need in Upper Passaic County struggling with food and shelter insecurities. The walk will be held at the Lakeland Regional High School track. Monetary donations may be made through centerforfoodaction-bloom.kindful.com. Checks payable to Ringwood Hunger Walk may be sent to Community Presbyterian Church c/o Ringwood Hunger Walk, 145 Carltondale Road, Ringwood NJ 07456. The pantry always accepts food donations as well.

Go: Hunger Walk at Lakeland Regional High School, 205 Conklintown Road, Wanaque. 1 p.m. Sunday.

Leonia Chamber Musicians

The nonprofit Leonia Chamber Musicians present their "Autumn Harvest" program at Presbyterian Church in Leonia on Sunday afternoon. Works include Quintet in D Major by Andreas Jakob Romberg (1767-1821), "A Midnight Mood" by Sandra Goldberg (1950-), "Danzas de Panama" by William Grant Still (1895-1978) and String Quartet in C minor by Anton Bruckner (1834- 1896). The performers are Roy Lewis and Janey Choi, violins; Maggie Speier, viola; Daryl Goldberg, cello; and Theresa Norris, flute.

Go: Leonia Chamber Musicians at Presbyterian Church in Leonia, 181 Fort Lee Road. 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The concert is free, donations will be accepted at the door. RSVP at leoniachambermusicians.org.

'A Fauré Celebration' free concert in Ringwood

This homage to French composer Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) on Sunday will feature his "Romance Without Words," Op. 17, No. 3; Impromptu No. 6, Opus 86; "Automme," Opus 18, No. 3; "Après un Rêve;" "Sérénade" Opus 98; "Romance in A Major" Opus 69; "Papillon," Op. 77; Romance in Bb Major, Opus 28; "Cantique De Jean Racine" Op. 11; and "Requiem" Opus 48. Featured musicians will include Lauren Swain (harp), Shavon Lloyd (baritone), Julia Bruskin (cello), Aaron Wunsch (piano), Deborah Buck (violin), NJ Chamber Singers (Matthew Zabiegala, director), Vincent Carr (organ), Erin Schwab (soprano). A festive reception will be held afterward.

Go: A Fauré Celebration at Community Presbyterian Church, 145 Carletondale Road, Ringwood. 7 p.m. Sunday. Free. ringwoodfriendsofmusic.org