Wildfire Torching 4 Square Miles Of South Jersey Forest Is Contained

WATERFORD, NJ — A wildfire that torched nearly 4 square miles and put homes under threat has been staved off, officials said on Monday.

The California Branch Wildfire, which raged in Wharton State Forest over the weekend, was fully contained as of 8 a.m. Monday, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Smoke will linger in the area until there's significant rainfall, officials said.

The fire was first spotted around 1 p.m. Saturday, burning in the area of Raritan Avenue and Old Atsion Avenue in Waterford Township.

There were initially 18 structures near the fire under threat, including several homes. But the blaze moved away from the residential areas, officials said.

Two campgrounds — Atsion and Goshen Pond — were evacuated out of an abundance of caution as the fire crossed the Mullica River and burned into Shamong Township, officials said.

No homes or structures are at risk of damage as of Monday morning, and all road closures have been lifted.

The Forest Fire Service deployed fire engines, bulldozers and ground crews and battle and contain the fire, which ballooned to 2,336 acres. Crews will remain at the scene for the next several days to improve containment lines and address areas of concern.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.