Hainesport wildfire 20% contained; structures in area no longer threatened, officials say

Chopper 6 was overhead as crews established a containment line directly behind several homes in the area.
Updated 1 hour ago
HAINESPORT, N.J. -- Crews are working to contain a 40-acre wildfire in Hainesport, Burlington County.

The blaze broke out Monday night in the area of Bancroft Lane and Cove Court. Officials said it was 20% contained.

Chopper 6 was overhead as New Jersey Forest Fire crews established a containment line directly behind several homes in the area.



In a 9 p.m. update, officials said no structures were threatened, which was down from 20 earlier in the evening.



"There have been no evacuations. No one has been injured and the cause of the fire is under investigation," said Chief Bill Donnelly with the NJ State Forest Fire Service.

RELATED: Utility companies in New Jersey take wildfire precautions as drought persists

Neighbors were drawn out of their homes. The glow and warmth of flames were just mere steps away.

"When all of this started I was very anxious and very upset because there's nothing you can do," said Jennifer Maffie, Hainesport.

Bancroft Lane, Cove Court, and Wharton Place all remain closed.

Crews establish containment line behind Hainesport homes


All across New Jersey, fire danger is considered very high, according to New Jersey DEP.



This Burlington County fire is just the latest as thousands of acres have burned across the region over the last several weeks.

Former Hainesport Mayor Bruce MacLachlan says he has never seen it this bad.

READ MORE: Areas of severe, extreme drought expand throughout Delaware Valley

"You hear about fire danger everywhere but you never think it's gonna come to your neighborhood or your town," he said.

The drought the region is experiencing has been fueling these fires. Much-needed rainfall is expected to arrive Wednesday into very early Thursday.

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