54°
About 85 percent of the fire was contained, the fire service reported on Tuesday, June 21.
An illegal campfire is a possible cause, state fire officials said.
The fire — in the state's largest forest — extended to Washington, Shamong, Hammonton and Mullica townships.
Routes 206 and 542 reopened on Tuesday.
The fire began on Sunday, June 19.
The last fire that was at least 15,000 acres was a 2007 blaze that consumed 17,000 acres of woods in Burlington and southern Ocean counties,
Batsto Village and all associated hiking and mountain bike trails are closed to visitors. The Atsion Recreation Area is also closed. The Mullica River Campground, Lower Forge Campground, Mullica River Trail and boat launches along the Mullica River are closed from the Atsion Recreation Area to Batsto Village. These closures will remain in effect until further notice. Pinelands Adventures has suspended kayak and canoe trips.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Middletown and receive free news updates.
