Smoke, Haze From Wildfire Blows Through South Jersey

SHAMONG, NJ — A wildfire has been burning at Wharton State Forest on Friday, with the wind blowing smoke and bringing hazy skies into South Jersey communities.

The wildfire, which measured at 100 acres late Friday morning, emerged in Burlington County's Shamong Township, near the Carranza Memorial in Wharton State Forest, officials said.

Someone in a private aircraft flying over the area alerted authorities about the fire earlier Friday.

The fire has been burning in a relatively remote location, but the wind has pushed the smoke westward into more populated communities.

Hazy skies and smoky odors have been observed throughout Camden County, which is just west of Shamong.

On Friday afternoon, Camden County's Office of Emergency Management 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.

No structures are at risk of damage as of late Friday morning, but the Lower Forge Campground was evacuated.

Zero percent of the fire was contained at 11 a.m. Friday, when the New Jersey Forest Fire Service issued their most recent briefing. But crews have been creating containment lines to stop the blaze from growing.

Tuckerton Road, Bulldozer Road and local forest roadways have been closed. The Batona Trail is also closed between Carranza and Bulldozer roads.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Forest Fire Service planned to issue another update around 4 p.m. Friday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.