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Police & Fire
Teen Accused Of Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes, Police Say Teen Accused Of Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes, Police Say
Teen Accused Of Arson In Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes, Police Say A Marlton boy was accused of starting a wildfire that threatened more than a dozen homes in Burlington County, authorities said. The 14-year-old was charged with second-degree aggravated arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage, the Evesham Township Police Department said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Officers responded to the forest fire off Sycamore Drive near the border with Berlin Township at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30. It took firefighters several days to extinguish the roughly 52-acre wildfire. The blaze threatened 15 homes…

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by Chris Spiker
Police & Fire
Massive Apartment Fire Displaces 25+ People, Injures Six First Responders In South Jersey Massive Apartment Fire Displaces 25+ People, Injures Six First Responders In South Jersey
Massive Apartment Fire Displaces 25+ People, Injures Six First Responders In South Jersey More than two dozen people were without homes and six first responders were injured after a fire destroyed several apartments in Pine Hill, according to officials and reports. The fire started at the 16-unit apartment building on West Branch Avenue on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Camden County firefighters union said in a Facebook post. "First-arriving firefighters found heavy fire showing from the building, people jumping from balconies, and received a report of at least one person trapped," International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 3249 posted. Last night just a…

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by Chris Spiker
Police & Fire
'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From NJ Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Alarms 'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From NJ Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Alarms
'Apocalyptic:' Smoke From NJ Wildfire Triggers 911 Calls, Sets Off Carbon Monoxide Alarms Residents across Gloucester County woke up to thick smoke from the 133-acre Pheasant Run wildfire in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area last week, causing widespread smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to sound off early Friday morning, Nov. 8. The Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management warned that changing wind directions could further affect surrounding communities, including Glassboro, Washington Township, and Williamstown, where local fire departments have been fielding an “unprecedented” number of emergency calls. A TikTok video that shows smoke covering the area is title…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials A massive wildfire that scorched 350 acres in Jackson Township was ignited by an illegal shotgun round that authorities said was fired by a 37-year-old Brick Township man. Authorities charged Richard Shashaty, 37, with arson after an investigation revealed that magnesium shards from a prohibited Dragon’s Breath 12-gauge shotgun round sparked the blaze on Nov. 6, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The fire, known as the Shotgun Wildfire, erupted shortly after noon on November 6 near the Central Jersey Rifle Range on Stump Tavern Road. Investigators determined that the incendi…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One New Jersey is actively managing five wildfires across multiple counties, sending smoke into surrounding towns and worsening the air quality. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continues efforts to contain the flames under a Red Flag Warning issued through Saturday, Nov. 9, by the U.S. National Weather Service.  HIGH Fire Danger Today! A Red Flag Warning is in effect today into this evening as very dry conditions and gusty winds... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Friday, November 8, 2024 Here's the updated status for each of the five wi…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
House Evacuations Ordered For 'Major' Wildfire In Drought-Stricken South Jersey House Evacuations Ordered For 'Major' Wildfire In Drought-Stricken South Jersey
House Evacuations Ordered For 'Major' Wildfire In Drought-Stricken South Jersey Crews were battling a 200-acre wildfire in Evesham Township, the second one burning in a very dry South Jersey, officials said. As of Thursday afternoon, Nov. 7, 104 structures were threatened and 12 were evacuated due to the fire in the Kettle Run section of Evesham, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. The Forest Fire Service has responded with fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews, a helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water at a time, an observation chopper, and more, the agency said. There was also a 300-acre wildfire burning in Jackson Township. The…

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by Chris Spiker
Police & Fire
300-Acre Wildfire Burns In Jackson: What We Know 300-Acre Wildfire Burns In Jackson: What We Know
300-Acre Wildfire Burns In Jackson: What We Know More than a dozen homes were evacuated because of a wildfire in Jackson Township that erupted Wednesday evening, Nov. 6, officials said. The 300-acre Shotgun Wildfire was about 40 percent contained as of 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. The fire was in the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area near Stump Tavern Road. There were 25 structures threatened by the blaze and 15 homes were ordered to evacuate on Wednesday, Nov. 6.Those who evacuated were allowed to return home by 9 p.m.  Six structures remained threatened as…

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by Chris Spiker
Police & Fire
Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes Nearly Extinguished, Firefighters Say Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes Nearly Extinguished, Firefighters Say
Wildfire That Threatened 15 South Jersey Homes Nearly Extinguished, Firefighters Say A wildfire that threatened more than a dozen homes in Burlington County has been almost completely contained, officials said. About 40 acres burned near Sycamore Avenue in Evesham Township on Wednesday, Oct. 30, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said on Facebook. The fire was 90 percent contained by 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, according to the final update from the NJFFS. There were 15 homes threatened by the wildfire but no one needed to be evacuated. No roads were closed by the fire. WILDFIRE UPDATE: Evesham Twp., Burlington County At 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, the New Je…

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by Chris Spiker
Police & Fire
NJ Under Mandatory Fire Restrictions, Drought Watch Amid High Risk For Wildfires: What To Know NJ Under Mandatory Fire Restrictions, Drought Watch Amid High Risk For Wildfires: What To Know
NJ Under Mandatory Fire Restrictions, Drought Watch Amid High Risk For Wildfires: What To Know New Jersey officials have implemented high-level fire restrictions due to extremely dry conditions, making forests extremely vulnerable to wildfires. The Stage 3 restrictions prohibit all fires unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas or electricity, according to the Department of Environmental Protections, which mandated Stage 3 fire restrictions earlier this week. No wood or charcoal fires are allowed, and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited during the Stage 3 restrictions. The fire ban is in place on all public lands and priv…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators
Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators An illegal and abandoned campfire started a massive wildfire that burned for three days in Ocean County, authorities said. Investigators determined the wildfire was accidentally started by "an unknown person(s) improperly extinguishing a campfire," Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The roughly 189-acre wildfire burned near Fishers Pit, a sand and gravel pit in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. In its final update, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the wildfire was 100 percent contained a…

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by Chris Spiker
Police & Fire
Smoke Diminshes As Crews Begin Containing Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood (UPDATE) Smoke Diminshes As Crews Begin Containing Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood (UPDATE)
Smoke Diminshes As Crews Begin Containing Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood (Update) Smoke has diminished as a massive wildfire burned for a second day in Ocean County, officials said. The fire was first spotted at the Cedar Bridge fire tower at 4:44 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in an update. The roughly 189-acre wildfire was burning near Fishers Pit, a sand and gravel pit in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. Conditions have improved after "erratic fire behavior" caused problems for the first firefighters at the scene. "Fire crews continue to secure and reinforce containment lines by mopping up hot …

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by Chris Spiker
Police & Fire
Crews Battle 150-Acre Wildfire Across Ocean County (DEVELOPING) Crews Battle 150-Acre Wildfire Across Ocean County (DEVELOPING)
Crews Battle 150-Acre Wildfire Across Ocean County (Developing) Firefighters were battling a massive wildfire in Ocean County that broke out late Monday, Sept. 9, officials said. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the fire was burning near Fishers Pit, a sand and gravel pit in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. The NJFFS first posted on Twitter about the wildfire at 7:30 p.m. Monday. As of Tuesday morning, the fire had been 20 percent contained to 150 acres, after spreading near Northern Boulevard in the Barnegat Pines neighborhood of Berkeley. "When firefighters arrived on scene initial attack efforts were unsuccessful due to erratic…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Wildfire Consumes 450 Acres Of Wharton State Forest (UPDATED) Wildfire Consumes 450 Acres Of Wharton State Forest (UPDATED)
Wildfire Consumes 450 Acres Of Wharton State Forest (Updated) A wildfire has consumed 450 acres in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County, authorities said on Friday, July 5. The "Tea time Hill" wildfire had not been contained at all as of 3 p.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. The Forest Fire Service is on scene of the wildfire burning in the area of the Batona Campground and Apple Pie Hill in Tabernacle Township, the state agency said on Facebook. A hunting club and one home were threatened by fire, the agency said. The Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest has been evacuated, it said. Local forest roads were closed nearby. Later…

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by Jon Craig
News
510-Acre Wildfire Contained At Wharton State Forest (UPDATED) 510-Acre Wildfire Contained At Wharton State Forest (UPDATED)
510-Acre Wildfire Contained At Wharton State Forest (Updated) Firefighters had contained a 510-acre wildfire at Wharton State Forest in Burlington and Camden counties early Thursday, April 25, authorities said. The fire had burned along Jackson Road in Shamong and Waterford townships, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Jackson Road reopened at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24. Forest Fire Service staff will remain on scene and continue to monitor control lines and address areas of concern until significant precipitation occurs to ensure public safety, they said. The public is advised that smoke may be visible for an extended period while …

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by Jon Craig
News
Wildfire Rips Through 300 Acres Of Wharton State Forest (UPDATED) Wildfire Rips Through 300 Acres Of Wharton State Forest (UPDATED)
Wildfire Rips Through 300 Acres Of Wharton State Forest (Updated) Firefighters were working to contain a 300-acre wildfire burning at Wharton State Forest in Burlington and Camden counties on Wednesday, April 24, authorities said. The fire was about 40 percent contained along Jackson Road in Shamong, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service as of 3 p.m. The Forest Fire Service has responded to the wildfire with ground crews and an observation helicopter. Crews are utilizing a backfire operation to burn fuel ahead of the main body of fire which will help aid containment efforts, state forest fire officials said. Among the park closures are: …

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
Authorities Confirm Plane Crash Caused Jersey Shore Wildfire Authorities Confirm Plane Crash Caused Jersey Shore Wildfire
Authorities Confirm Plane Crash Caused Jersey Shore Wildfire Federal, state, county and local officials have confirmed that a private single-engine airplane crash in the evening hours of Saturday, Sept. 2, in Lacey Township, resulted in an 831-acre wildfire.  The official cause was announced Wednesday, Sept. 6 by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The crash occurred in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area west of Robert J. Miller Airpark and Ocean County Airport.  A 61-year-old pilot was identified as the victim of the crash on Wednesday, Sept 6.

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
Tie Between Plane Crash, Wildfire In Ocean County Unclear Tie Between Plane Crash, Wildfire In Ocean County Unclear
Tie Between Plane Crash, Wildfire In Ocean County Unclear Sometime around a plane crashed in Ocean County, a wildfire broke out. As of Sunday afternoon, Sept. 3, it remained unclear if the two were connected. The FAA said a single-engine Cirrus SR22 crashed in a wooded area in Toms River, New Jersey, around 2:30 a.m. Only the pilot was on board. According to 6abc, the plane had departed Pottstown, PA, and was heading to Toms River when it crashed in a wooded area of Lacey Township, near the Ocean County Airport. Sometime thereafter, a wildfire broke out, closing a portion of Dover and Mule roads near Miller Airpark. The FAA and National Tr…

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by Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
Wildfire Consumes 1,500 Acres In Wharton State Forest Wildfire Consumes 1,500 Acres In Wharton State Forest
Wildfire Consumes 1,500 Acres In Wharton State Forest A wildfire has now consumed 1,500 acres in Wharton State Forest near Atco Dragway in Camden County, authorities said. But the fire is now 85 percent contained, New Jersey Forest Fire Service officials said on Tuesday, Aug. 22. The containment area includes part of Burlington County. The Forest Fire Service continues to work to contain the wildfire burning in the area of Jackson Road in Waterford Township. The fire's containment area has grown to include parts of Medford and Shamong in Burlington County. Forest Fire Service crews will continue to utilize a backfiring operation to burn fu…

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
Wildfire Consumes 1,200 Acres Near Atco Dragway Wildfire Consumes 1,200 Acres Near Atco Dragway
Wildfire Consumes 1,200 Acres Near Atco Dragway A wildfire consuming 1,200 acres has broken out in Wharton State Forest near Atco Dragway in Camden County. The containment area includes part of Burlington County. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service continues to work to contain the wildfire burning in the area of Jackson Road in Waterford Township. The wildfire was 40% contained as of 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21.  The fire's containment area has grown to include parts of Medford and Shamong in Burlington County. Forest Fire Service crews will continue to utilize a backfiring operation to burn fuel ahead of the main body of fire thro…

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by Jon Craig
Weather
Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area As Canadian Wildfires Burn Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area As Canadian Wildfires Burn
Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area As Canadian Wildfires Burn Widespread smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to bring hazardous air quality levels across the region. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of fine particulates again on Thursday, June 8, according to the National Weather Service.   Check air quality conditions in your area, visit AirNow.gov by clicking here. "The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern," said the weather service. ALSO SEE: Smoke Relief Coming Next Week, Unhealthy Air Quality Here To Stay (Mostl…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Garden State Parkway Reopens As 5,000-Acre Wildfire Continues Burning Garden State Parkway Reopens As 5,000-Acre Wildfire Continues Burning
Garden State Parkway Reopens As 5,000-Acre Wildfire Continues Burning The Garden State Parkway has reopened after a temporary closure in South Jersey due to a massive wildfire, authorities said. Firefighters were battling a 5,000-acre wildfire in Bass River State Forest, they said. The Garden State Parkway had been closed in both directions between milepost 63 in Ocean County and milepost 38 in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, N ew Jersey State Police said on Friday, June 2. The wildfire was 50% contained, New Jersey Forest Fire Service officials said late Thursday, June 1. Forest Fire Service crews continue a "backfiring" operation. The Timberline …

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by Jon Craig
Weather
Air Quality Alert For South Jersey, Pennsylvania Fueled By Wildfire Air Quality Alert For South Jersey, Pennsylvania Fueled By Wildfire
Air Quality Alert For South Jersey, Pennsylvania Fueled By Wildfire A massive 5,000-acre wildfire raging across Burlington and Ocean counties has contributed to an air quality alert in South Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania, authorities said. Levels of fine particulates and ozone also will rise into the unhealthy zone for sensitive groups, according to the National Weather Service and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.  If you have been outside Thursday, June 1 in southeast New Jersey or southern Delaware, you may have noticed extra smoke and the smell of fire in the air.  While there is decreased air quality due to fires in Nova Scotia, C…

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
5,000-Acre Forest Fire Raging In South Jersey (UPDATED) 5,000-Acre Forest Fire Raging In South Jersey (UPDATED)
5,000-Acre Forest Fire Raging In South Jersey (Updated) Firefighters were battling a 5,000-acre wildfire in Bass River State Forest in Burlington County, authorities said. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is working to contain of a wildfire burning in the area of Allen Road. The wildfire had reached 5,000 acres in size and was only 5o% contained, fire service officials said late Thursday, June 1. Forest Fire Service crews continue a "backfiring" operation that began overnight to help containment.  Six residential structures were threatened by the fire, officials said. The Timberline Campground has been evacuated, officials said. The Bato…

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
158-Acre Wildfire In South Jersey Fully Contained 158-Acre Wildfire In South Jersey Fully Contained
158-Acre Wildfire In South Jersey Fully Contained A wildfire that destroyed 158 acres of property in Gloucester County has been fully contained, authorities said. At 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service achieved 100 percent containment of the Box Turtle Wildfire burning on both private property and the White Oaks Wildlife Management Area in Franklin and Monroe Townships, they said. No structures were destroyed and no one was hurt, the forest fire service said. Box Turtle Wildfire in Gloucester CountyNew Jersey Forest Fire Service Forest Fire Service staff will  continue to monitor control lines and address areas …

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
Wildfire At Former Golf Course Destroys 65 Acres In South Jersey Wildfire At Former Golf Course Destroys 65 Acres In South Jersey
Wildfire At Former Golf Course Destroys 65 Acres In South Jersey A wildfire at a former South Jersey golf course in fully contained after destroying 65 acres, aiuhorities said. At 11 p.m. Thursday, May 18, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service achieved 100 percent containment of the fire at the former Holly Hills Golf Course in Salem County. The golf course is now managed as part of the Thundergut Pond Wildlife Management Area in Alloway. For a short time Thursday, 15 structures were threatened by the fire. Forest Fire Service staff will remain on scene and continue to monitor control lines and address areas of concern until significant rainfall occurs to…

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
Wildfire Destroys 257 Acres In South Jersey, 85% Contained Wildfire Destroys 257 Acres In South Jersey, 85% Contained
Wildfire Destroys 257 Acres In South Jersey, 85% Contained A wildfire continued to burn in Burlington County overnight, authorities said. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service was making progress on the fire, which covered 257 acres in Washington Township. The fire was about 85% contained on Wednesday morning April 19, fire officials said. Overnight crews worked to monitor and improve containment lines in addition to extinguishing any hotspots near the fire perimeter. Route 542 had reopened. Old Church Road and River Road remained closed.

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
NJ Forest Fire Service Contains 418-Acre Wildfire In Ocean County NJ Forest Fire Service Contains 418-Acre Wildfire In Ocean County
NJ Forest Fire Service Contains 418-Acre Wildfire In Ocean County The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and local firefighters contained a 418-acre wildfire. The fire was considered 100% contained by 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, according to the Forest Fire Service. It had burned since early afternoon Tuesday. The wildfire at Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area.New Jersey Forest Fire Service The fire was centered in the Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area – Governor’s Branch Wildfire in Little Egg Harbor Township. No one was reported hurt.  The wildfire Tuesday in Little Egg Harbor Township.New Jersey Forest Fire Service There were no imm…

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
Firefighters Battle Wildfire On Jersey Shore Firefighters Battle Wildfire On Jersey Shore
Firefighters Battle Wildfire On Jersey Shore Firefighters were battling a large wildfire on Tuesday afternoon, March 7, authorities said. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said it was responding to an active wildfire off Route 539 west of the Garden State Parkway in Little Egg Harbor Township. The wildfire in Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area had reached 125 acres in size and was 0% contained, the Forest Fire Service said mid-afternoon. A total of 16 structures were in danger of burning, the fire service said, and local firefighters were assisting in fire protection. Route 539 was closed from Forge Road to Warren Grove Spur …

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
Wildfire Destroyed 98 Acres Of Wharton State Forest, 100 Percent Contained Wildfire Destroyed 98 Acres Of Wharton State Forest, 100 Percent Contained
Wildfire Destroyed 98 Acres Of Wharton State Forest, 100 Percent Contained A wildfire that broke out Tuesday, July 12 at Wharton State Forest is 100 percent contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. On Wednesday, July 13, the forest fire service reported that the fire had consumed about 98 acres of forest. The fire was located off of Maple Branch and Bulltown roads in the area of Tylertown and Batsto Village, according to the fire service. Forest Fire Service crews conducted a backfiring operation which aided in containment efforts, they said. Batsto Village has reopened. The Buttonwood Campground remains closed. The Batona Trail has reope…

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
Wildfire Reported In Wharton State Forest Wildfire Reported In Wharton State Forest
Wildfire Reported In Wharton State Forest The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is responding to an active wildfire in Wharton State Forest. It had consumed 40 acres and was 15 percent contained, the NJFFS said. The fire is located off of Maple Branch Road in the area of Tylertown and Batsto Village, according to the fire service. CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES

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by Jon Craig
Police & Fire
Wildfire In South Jersey Consumes 315 Acres, Fully Contained Wildfire In South Jersey Consumes 315 Acres, Fully Contained
Wildfire In South Jersey Consumes 315 Acres, Fully Contained A wildfire in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in Burlington and Ocean counties consumed at least 315 acres, but firefighters now have the blaze 100% contained, authorities said on Monday, June 27 In addition, seven structures previously considered threatened by the forest fire in Manchester and Woodland townships are no longer in danger, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said on Facebook. Firefighters have made "substantial progress,'' the state agency previously said. “Earlier (Sunday) evening Forest Fire Service crews conducted a backfiring operation to aid in containment,” the Forest Fir…

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by Jon Craig