DEP: Forked River Mountain Fire Under Control, But Not Out

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - The fire in the Forked River Mountain section of the township is now under control, but is still smoldering, a spokesperson for the state Department of Environmental Protection said.

"There may be some interior smoldering going on within the containment area today," said spokesperson Caryn Shinske Friday. "So, the fire has not been deemed fully extinguished at this point."

The fire, which consumed roughly five acres, was brought under control at 1:24 p.m. on Thursday, several hours after it was spotted.

The Forest Fire Service has a firetruck and two firefighters on scene today to monitor the area.

"The interior area of such a fire smolders until it burns itself out," Shinske said. "Consequently, our personnel will check the fire daily until it is fully out, and to keep the fire’s perimeter secure."

The Forked River Mountain area is in a very remote section of the township, far from homes and businesses.

Photo: Courtesy of the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection