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A fast-moving brush fire in Gloucester Township scorched 40 acres and forced evacuations Saturday night, while a separate wildfire in Hopewell Township has burned 274 acres and is threatening 30 homes, authorities said.
Gloucester Township Fire Burns 40 Acres
A Gloucester Township Police officer spotted flames near Primrose Lane off Erial Road at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, the Gloucester Township Police Department said. Around the same time, a concerned resident called 911 to report the fire.
As firefighters arrived, gusty winds spread the flames rapidly, prompting officials to request additional firefighting resources from over 20 agencies at the state, county, and local levels, according to Gloucester Township Police.
Despite the dangerous conditions, firefighters contained the fire before it reached homes, officials said. Two homes were temporarily evacuated but residents have since returned, police said.
The fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal, Station 86 (Erial) Fire Marshal, and the Gloucester Township Police Department, authorities said.
Officials said there is no ongoing danger, though fire crews may remain on scene overnight to monitor for hot spots, the Gloucester Township Police Department said.
Hopewell Township Wildfire Grows to 274 Acres, Threatens 30 Homes
A separate wildfire erupted in Hopewell Township, Mercer County, burning 274 acres and threatening 30 homes and four commercial structures, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.
As of Sunday, March 2, 2025, the wildfire was 80% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Road Closures and Emergency Response
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service deployed fire engines and ground crews to battle the flames, while local fire companies provided structure protection, officials said.
The following roads remain closed to through traffic, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service:
- ⚠ Poor Farm Road
- ⚠ Woosamonsa Road
The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation, officials said.
What is a ‘Major Wildfire’?
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service classifies a wildfire as "major" once it exceeds 100 acres.
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire burning across different types of vegetation, while containment refers to how much of the fireline has been completed, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Authorities said the next wildfire update is expected at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Anyone with information about the Gloucester Township fire is urged to contact Gloucester Township Police at (856) 228-4500 or submit an anonymous tip at gtpolice.com/tips or call (856) 842-5560, the Gloucester Township Police Department said.
For Hopewell Township wildfire updates, residents should follow the New Jersey Forest Fire Service for official information.
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