Wildfire in Washington Township 95 percent contained, road closures lifted

WABC logo
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Wildfire burning in Burlington County 95 percent contained
The fire had burned over 250 acres in Washington Township as of Wednesday night.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Burlington County (WABC) -- New Jersey fire crews shared encouraging news about the wildfire that has burned across over 250 acres in Washington Township, Burlington County.

As of Thursday morning, the blaze is 95% contained. All road restrictions have been lifted.

On Wednesday night, officials had reported that the fire reached about 257 acres in Washington Township.

Firefighters say the blaze is no longer threatening any structures, and no evacuation orders are in effect.

A Red Flag Warning issued Tuesday afternoon by the National Weather Service has been expanded to include the entire state of New Jersey through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

That warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds have combined to produce an increased risk of wildfires.

READ MORE | What is a Red Flag Warning?

"Dry air, a little bit of a gusty wind, these are all criteria the Weather Service has for us to get into a fire watch or fire warning," Meteorologist Sam Champion said.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service held a briefing Tuesday on the three major wildfires that ripped across parts of the state in the last week.

Crews have responded to 517 wildfires already this year compared to 373 in the same time period last year.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

----------

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More New Jersey news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.

Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.