Firefighters battle New Jersey wildfire; 700 acres burned

SHAMONG TWP., N.J. -- The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is battling a fire that has spread over 700 acres in Wharton State Forest in Shamong Township.

The fire broke out early Thursday afternoon and officials say there has been no containment.

Flames and heavy smoke can be seen near the command center along Route 206 where the Forest Fire Service is stationed.

It appears these are backfires being set by the Forest Service to stop the advancement of the brush fire.

While it was believed the fire prompted evacuations in the area, New Jersey State Police tell Action News there were no evacuations.

A nearby church and a ranger's station were being threatened by the flames, but appear to be okay at this point.

The New Jersey Forest Service says it has 10 brush trucks, two tractor units, a fixed-wing plane, and a helicopter to combat the fire.

Route 206 is shut down between Atsion Road and Route 30.