Smoke Will Linger In South Jersey After Wildfire In State Forest

PEMBERTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A wildfire burning in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest has been mostly contained, state forest fire officials said.

The 35-acre blaze, in the area of Mary Ann Forge Road, was 60 percent contained as of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening.

"Smoke is expected to remain present until significant rain falls over the fire area," the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.

Crews worked throughout the day Wednesday to contain the fire, and officials said there will not be any further reports unless there are any significant updates.

There were no evacuations reported, and no buildings were threatened by the fire, as of the latest Forest Fire Service update. Still, residents are asked to avoid the area.

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, located in the Pine Barrens, is the second-largest forest in the state.