WASHINGTON TWP., New Jersey (WPVI) – The New Jersey Forest Fire Department is continuing its efforts to contain a wildfire in Wharton Forest in Burlington County.
DEVELOPMENT: A wildfire in South Jersey is still spreading, now tripled in size since yesterday. We are trying to navigate the closed roads, to get closer to the scene to talk to officials. We are live at noon with more updates on the shootout @ 6abc pic.twitter.com/jTbeH3FddD
– Alyana Gomez (@ AlyanaGomez6ABC) June 20, 2022
Officials say the fire has reached 7,200 acres, spreading through the cities of Washington, Shamong, Hammont and Mulika. The fire was controlled by 45%, the Forest Fire Service said on Monday morning.
Forest fire crews will continue to conduct firefighting operations throughout the day to help with the containment, officials said.
There are also several closed roads:
- Route 206 – from Chew Road to Stokes Road
- Route 542 – from Green Bank Road to Columbia Road
The Village Batsto and all associated hiking and mountain biking trails are closed to visitors.
The Asion recreation area is also closed.
The Mullica River campsite, the Lower Forde campsite, the Mullica River trail and the boat rides on the Mullica River are closed from the Atsion recreation area to the village of Batsto.
These closures will remain in force until further notice.
Pinelands Adventures stopped kayaking and canoeing.
The Paradise Lakes campsite has been evacuated.
Authorities say 18 structures are under threat.
“Protection of the structure is in place and provided by local volunteer fire departments from Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean counties, and we thank them for their help,” the Forest Fire Department said.
No casualties were reported.
The Forest Fire Service reminds drone operators not to fly in the fire zone: “Without drones in the fire zone – if you fly, we can’t!”
Authorities say the wildfire was fueled by dry and windy conditions.
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