Smoke From Weeks-Old NJ Wildfire To Linger In NJ Counties

NEW JERSEY - Smoke from a weeks-old South Jersey wildfire will linger for the time being in Burlington and Camden counties, fire officials said, despite the blaze being declared contained as of Aug. 23.

The remnants of the Dragway Wildfire in Wharton State Forest are still wafting in the air, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Thursday, with towns facing the largest affects set to include Berlin, Evesham, Medford, Medford Lakes, Shamong, Voorhees and Waterford.

The seemingly perpetual smoke condition is caused by the fire burning down into the duff layer of soil, fire officials said, a phenomenon especially common with summer fires. Higher humidity in the evening and overnight hours is also causing the smoke to stay low to the ground.

The smoke is expected to remain until significant rain falls over the fire area, fire officials said.

The Dragway Wildfire was first reported near Jackson Road and the old Atco Dragway in Wharton State Forest on August 20; the fire was declared 100 percent contained on August 23, and remains as such, fire officials said. The fire is not a threat to any homes or other structures.

“Forest Fire Service crews remain on scene to improve containment lines, mop-up hotspots along the fire perimeter and monitor the fire area,” state officials said. “Motorists traveling through the area should keep an eye out for firefighters and fire vehicles that may be working on the roadsides.”

Local residents with respiratory conditions are urged to keep windows closed and limit outdoor activity.