Mercer Wildfire 100% Contained, Smoke To Remain Until Rain: Officials

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – The wildfire that consumed Poor Farm in Hopewell Township, has now been 100 percent contained, the NJ Forest Fire Service said.

As of Tuesday morning, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service achieved 100 percent containment of the 293-acre wildfire burning in the area of Poor Farm Road in Hopewell.

Early on in the firefight, 34 structures were threatened, however, no structures were evacuated, officials said. Thirty structures were residential and four were commercial.

Forest Fire Service crews will remain on scene for the next several days to continue to improve containment lines and address areas of concern until significant precipitation occurs to ensure public safety.

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

The fire began on Saturday while gusts as high as 45 mph were recorded. According to officials, the fire was caused due to a downed power line.

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