A wildfire in New Jersey that has burned at least 12.000 acres is threatening to become the largest wildfire in the Garden State in 15 years, authorities said.
Many people in Ocean County who wake up and step outside this morning get a taste of what smells of campfires on their yards. That’s how we go for an early afternoon shower.
New Jersey Forest Fire Service chief Greg McLaughlin says Crews are taking an indirect approach to fighting the wildfire by burning out all the vegetation around the blaze to prevent it from traveling more widely in all directions.
Parts of Route 206 and Route 542 were closed for good.
The village of Batsto, and its hiking and mountain biking trails, are closed to the public.
Eighteen buildings remain under danger but are under protection of local volunteers, the forest fire department said.
The NWS at Mount Holly received multiple reports from coastal New Jersey on Monday, particularly near Atlantic City, in areas whose smoke was pushed onto coastlines by winds.
It is recommended to reduce the practice outdoors until the smoke conditions have improved.
WILDFIRE UPDATE: Wharton State Forest – Mullica River Fire@njdepforestfire continues to make substantial progress in containing a wildfire in Wharton State Forest -Washington, Shamong, Hammonton & Mullica Townships- which has reached 13,500 acres in size and is 85% contained. pic.twitter.com/zrukHezWJM
— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) June 21, 2022
Latest on Wharton State Forest fire from the @njdepforestfire:
13,500 acres burned, 85% contained. Cause is suspected to be from an illegal campfire. Expect smoke conditions for the next few days. No structures lost, no injuries. At least 50 people safely evacuated. @News12NJ— Jim Murdoch (@ReporterJim) June 21, 2022
SATELLITE SPOTLIGHT: @NOAA's #GOES16🛰️ was tracking the #smoke and heat from a #wildfire burning across #WhartonStateForest in New Jersey yesterday. As of today, @njdepforestfire is reporting that the fire has reached 13,500 acres and is 85% contained. #MullicaRiverFire #NJwx pic.twitter.com/ybPw1VE7GA
— NOAA Satellites – Public Affairs (@NOAASatellitePA) June 21, 2022
ROAD CLOSURE UPDATES
✅ Route 206 – Reopened 11 a.m.
✅ Route 542 – Reopened 10 a.m.— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) June 21, 2022
Motorists traveling in the area should remain cautious of smoke and watch for firefighters and fire vehicles that may be working on nearby roadways. Smoke impacts will remain elevated into the evening hours as winds diminish, and partial cloud cover moves over the area.
— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) June 21, 2022
Update on the Wharton State Forest Fire, which now tops 7200 acres. Containment is increasing, though acreage burned will also likely increase. Wildfires aren't uncommon in NJ, but this is a large one, as for reference NJ averages ~7000 acres burned per year in wildfires. #NJwx https://t.co/nbZKqsv6dG
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) June 20, 2022
WILDFIRE UPDATE: Wharton State Forest – Mullica River Fire @njdepforestfire is making substantial progress in containing a wildfire in Wharton State Forest – Washington, Shamong, Hammonton & Mullica Townships – which has reached 12,000 acres in size and is 70% contained. pic.twitter.com/Ot7irTke7v
— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) June 20, 2022
WILDFIRE UPDATE: Wharton State Forest – Mullica River Fire@njdepforestfire continues to fight a wildfire fueled by dry and breezy conditions in Wharton State Forest – Washington, Shamong, Hammonton & Mullica Townships- which has reached 2,100 acres in size and is 20% contained. pic.twitter.com/6W1iAZNnyZ
— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) June 20, 2022
ROAD CLOSURES
⚠️ Route 206 – from Chew Road to Stokes Road (beginning 12 a.m.)
⚠️ Route 542 – from Green Bank Road to Columbia Road— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) June 20, 2022
18 structures are threatened. Structure protection is in place and provided by local volunteer fire departments from Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean counties, we thank them for their assistance. There are no reported injuries.
— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) June 20, 2022
