Wildfire in NJ’s Wharton State Forest now 100% contained

A wildfire that burned more than 500 acres in central New Jersey was 100% contained Thursday morning, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.

Crews began battling the County Line Fire in Wharton State Forest on Wednesday morning. It took just one day for firefighters to corral the blaze.

“The public is advised that smoke may be visible for an extended period while firefighters work to mop up the wildfire,” the fire service wrote on social media. “Motorists traveling in the area should remain cautious of smoke, firefighters and fire vehicles that may be working on the roadsides.”

WILDFIRE UPDATE: County Line Wildfire – Wharton State Forest

At 8 a.m., April 25, @njdepforestfire reached 100% containment of a 510-acre wildfire in the area of Jackson Rd. in Wharton SF. The fire burned in both Waterford Twp, Camden County and Shamong Twp, Burlington County. pic.twitter.com/QK1bf9pHjA

— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) April 25, 2024

Authorities are still trying to determine the cause of the fire, which burned forest in Waterford Township, Camden County and Shamong Township, Burlington County.

No one was killed or injured in the blaze, and no structures were threatened while it burned, according to officials.

Jackson Road, which runs through parts of the forest, was partially closed Wednesday as smoke-eaters fought the flames, but the road fully reopened by Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service battled the blaze by intentionally lighting small fires around the main conflagration, depriving the fire of fuel it needed to expand. The blaze reached 510 acres before it was fully contained.

“Forest Fire Service staff will remain on scene and continue to monitor control lines and address areas of concern until significant precipitation occurs to ensure public safety,” NJFFS wrote on Twitter.

The blaze erupted during the height of wildfire season in New Jersey and just one day after the forest fire service warned of an increased risk of such fires.

In April 2023, the Jimmy’s Waterhole Fire in South Jersey torched 3,859 acres in Ocean County, threatening dozens of buildings before it was contained.