WHARTON STATE FOREST – Officials report that a rapid woodland fire, ignited by fireworks, has ravaged thousands of acres in South Jersey over the weekend and persisted into Monday.
On Sunday, July 7, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service announced that a firework device set off in the Wharton State Forest on the evening of July 4th sparked the wildfire. The fire was detected from a lookout tower shortly after 9 a.m. on Friday, July 5th, raging near Apple Pie Hill and the Batona Campground, leading to its evacuation to ensure safety.
As of Monday morning, it was estimated that the fire had scorched approximately 4,000 acres and was around 75% contained. Officials had previously noted that a tactic involving backfires was being employed to combat the blaze. This strategy entails igniting controlled burns ahead of the main wildfire to halt its advance.
The situation of the wildfire remained largely unaltered since the previous night.
A number of roads and trails were shut down due to the fire.
The evacuation of the Batona Campground within Wharton State Forest was executed, though no homes were in jeopardy.
The Batona Trail has been closed from Route 532 to Carranza Road. The Tulpehocken Trail is also closed, stretching from Apple Pie Hill to Hawkins Bridge. Various local roads within Wharton State Forest and Carranza Road, from the Carranza Memorial to Speedwell Road at Friendship Field, are inaccessible.
The probe into the fire is being spearheaded by the forest fire service in collaboration with state park police, the state division of fire safety, and the Burlington County fire marshal’s office, as stated by officials.
“The forest fire service is appealing to the public for any additional information regarding the fire that might assist in the investigation. Individuals are encouraged to contact the New Jersey State Park Police tip line at 844-PARK-TIP (844-727-5847),” they mentioned.
