Pinelands wildfire reaches 6,000 acres as campground, trail remain closed
The fire raced through Wharton State Forest in New Jersey’s Pinelands starting Friday.
A fire that raced through Wharton State Forest in New Jersey’s Pinelands starting Friday had grown to 6,000 acres as of Tuesday afternoon.
However, 90% of it was contained, according to the state Forest Fire Service.
The Mines Spung Fire, as state officials have named it, was first spotted Friday morning by a private aircraft flying over the area in Shamong Township, Burlington County. It resulted in multiple road closures and a campground evacuation.
The fire grew before the weekend rain could completely douse it. As of 1 p.m. Tuesday, the fire service reported mop-up operations were continuing.
Tuckerton Road remained closed from Carranza Road to Washington Turnpike. And Carranza Road remained closed from Forked Neck Road to Tuckerton Road. Several other roads are also still closed.
More important for outdoor enthusiasts, the Batona Trail was closed between Carranza and Quaker Bridge Roads, and the Lower Forge Campground was evacuated.
Five buildings were threatened.
No one has been injured in the fire, and the cause is under investigation.
The fire broke out off Mines Spung Road near the Emilio Carranza Memorial, a gathering and focal point for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, the state Department of Environmental Protectionpostponed a popular event, the opening of the Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower within Wharton State Forest, scheduled for last Saturday.
Though the DEP cited inclement weather as the reason, many hikers depart for the tower from a trail starting near the Carranza Memorial. The tower, which can also be reached by vehicle, will now be open Saturday, June 21.