New Jersey: Wildfire Spreads To Over 3K Acres In State Forest
A wildfire in Bass River State Forest broke out Wednesday night (May 31). The fire has now grown over 3,000 acres, with just 15% of it being contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a tweet Thursday (June 1).
According to the fire service, six structures were threatened, and the Timberline Campground was evacuated after the fire broke out. The fire service is still at work to contain more of the wildfire.
“A backfiring operation to help contain the fire was conducted overnight and will continue today to achieve containment goals,” the forest fire service said, per NJ.com.
The fire ignited in the area of Allen Road in Bass River at about 6 p.m. Wednesday before the blaze took over about 120 acres around 9 p.m., officials said. Overnight, the fire spread to about 2,000 acres. It was 10% contained around 9 a.m. Thursday.
Due to the blaze, the following roads in the Bass River area are closed:
– Allen Road
– Oswego Road
– Stage Road between North Maple Avenue and Route 679
– Route 679 between Route 563 and Leaktown Road
The Batona Trail is also closed.
RELATED: 150-Acre Wildfire Burning in New Jersey, Officials Say
This is the second wildfire in New Jersey this week. Officials said that a wildfire in New Jersey that started Monday night (May 29) in Gloucester County has grown to 150 acres.
According to New Jersey Forest Fire Service’s Twitter (May 30), the latest update for Franklin & Monroe Townships, Gloucester County, White Oaks Wildlife Management Area reads: “@njdepforestfire has made substantial progress containing a wildfire burning on both private property and the White Oaks WMA. The fire is currently 150 acres in size and 60% contained.”
The fire service added: “Today, crews will continue to monitor and improve containment lines in addition to extinguishing any hotspots near the fire perimeter.”
They noted that zero structures have been threatened, nor have there been any evacuations or road closures at this time. The fire organization warned of drones over the area at this time. “No Drones in Fire Zones – If YOU fly, WE can’t!”
That wildfire has been 100% contained.
