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The Lakewood Country Club wildfire was 100 percent contained by 9 a.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The roughly 35-acre fire burned dangerously close to the golf course and Pine Park.
What began as a fast-moving threat on Monday, Nov. 18 initially put six buildings on Seminole Drive at risk. Crews rushed to the blaze, preventing any building from being damaged and no evacuations were ordered.
The wildfire forced Clearstream Road to close between Brewers Bridge and Hope Chapel Road as crews worked to control the flame. The road has reopened but smoke is expected to linger in the area until substantial rainfall occurs.
Firefighters relied on a full arsenal to combat the flames, including fire engines, bulldozers, a helicopter, and ground teams. Crews will remain on-site for the next several days to fortify containment lines and address any potential flare-ups.
This wildfire is part of a troubling pattern across New Jersey in recent weeks, with drought conditions and strong winds creating the perfect storm for fire risks. A 40-acre fire in Hainesport was also ruled 100 percent contained by the NJFFS on Wednesday.
The Jennings Creek wildfire burned more than 2,200 acres near the New York state border. The blaze sent smoke over North Jersey and took nearly a week to reach 90 percent containment.
Back in South Jersey, a wildfire in Glassboro burned through a significant area last week, creating what one TikToker called "apocalyptic" scenes. Thick, black smoke triggered 911 calls and carbon monoxide alarms.
The cause of the Lakewood Country Club fire remained under investigation.
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