Wildfire In Wharton State Forest Swells To 4,200 Acres, Multiple Roads Closed

SHAMONG, NJ — A wildfire burning in New Jersey's Wharton State Forest grew rapidly overnight to more than 4,200 acres, prompting road closures and at least one evacuation, according to officials.

The Mines Spung Wildfire started early Friday in Burlington County's Shamong Township, near the Carranza Memorial in Wharton State Forest, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. Someone in a private aircraft flying over the area first alerted authorities about the fire.

As of 8:30 a.m. Saturday, the fire was 40 percent contained, officials said.

According to the Forest Fire Service's latest update, Phillip M. Costello Preparatory Academy in Shamong and Lower Forge Campground in Vincentown were evacuated due to the blaze. Five additional structures remain under threat.

As of Saturday, the agency had deployed fire engines, bulldozers, helicopters and ground crews to battle the flames. Municipal fire companies were also providing structure protection, officials said.

The following roads, trails and waterways remained closed Saturday:

• Hampton Road
• Bulldozer Road
• Tuckerton Road from Carranza Road to the Washington Turnpike
• Carranza Road from Forked Neck Road to Tuckerton Road
• The Batona Trail between Carranza Road and Quaker Bridge Road
• Batsto River between Hampton Road and Batsto
• Mullica River between Route 206 and Batsto

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

An air quality alert remained in effect for Camden County on Saturday due to hazy conditions caused by the wildfire, according to the county Office of Emergency Management.

The agency advised people to keep their windows closed and avoid heavy outdoor activity. Children, seniors and people with heart and lung conditions should limit time outdoors, while pets should be kept inside as much as possible, the office said.