1,700-acre wildfire near Atco Dragway now 95% contained: NJ Forest Fire Service
This is the thirteenth wildfire to break out in New Jersey this season, officials say.
WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, New Jersey -- A wildfire that has consumed 1,700 acres of New Jersey's Wharton State Forest is 95% contained, officials said Tuesday night.
Officials say the fire began in the area of Jackson Road near the shuttered Atco Dragway in Waterford Township, giving this fire its name - the 'Dragway Wildfire.' It then spread to both Camden and Burlington counties.
It was first reported just after 2:45 p.m. Sunday.
Assistant State Fire Warden Bill Donnelly told Action News that residents in the area do not need to be concerned by the flames.
Donnelly also said no injuries were reported and there were no evacuations.
Crews utilized a backfire operation, which means they intentionally set fire along the inner edge of the fire line in an effort to change the direction of the blaze.
"This fire started in a very, very remote area. Our apparatus could not make access to the fire. We made access to the fire on foot, but because we can't get any bulldozers or any fire apparatus to the fire, we have to bring it out to a safe place to contain it," said Jay Wyatt, the section forest fire warden.
Jackson Road will remained closed until further notice due to fire weakened trees and smoke impacts.
Motorists traveling in the area should remain cautious of smoke.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
This is the thirteenth wildfire to break out in New Jersey this season, officials say.
