Fire In Wharton State Forest Creating Heavy Smoke Conditions In Southern Ocean County

A brush fire burning deep the woods of Wharton State Forest in Burlington County is creating smoky conditions in Southern Ocean County towns.

The New Jersey State Forest Fire Service is fighting the fire, which is located near the Batsto Village and fire tower, according Bob Considine, spokesperson for the state Department of Environmental Protection's website.

The fire has burned through 1,000 acres as of 9:30 a.m. Sixty percent of the blaze has been contained.

Roughly 50 Forest Fire Service personnel are on the scene with 10 Type 6 attack trucks, two bulldozers and a water tender, he said.

"Support from New Jersey State Police, State Park Police, State Parks personnel, State Conservation Officers, Washington Township OEM, Washington Township Emergency Services, Bass River Township Emergency Services has been invaluable to the efforts to fight the fire," Considine said.

Batsto Village and the visitor center and all trails along the Batona Trail are closed, along with a number of area campground. The camps are not in the fire zone, but are affected by smoke and ash from the blaze.

Visitors who have reservations and questions should call 609-561-3262.

Lacey Township Police Chief Michael C. DiBella issued an advisory warning Friday morning warning residents about the heavy smoke conditions.

Please do not call Lacey Township police unless you see flames," he said.

Come back to Patch later for updates.

Photo: Patch file photo.