Fire Burns More Than 1,000 Acres in South Jersey Forest

HAMMONTON — A smoky fire inside a remote area of Wharton State Forest charred more than 1,000 acres on Thursday and early Friday.

Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Bob Geist said the fire in Burlington County was 60 percent contained mid-morning on Friday.  About 50 members of the Forest Fire Service battled the blaze with six attack trucks, two bulldozers and a water tender

No lives or property were in danger, according to Geist, who said the Batso Village and visitor center and all trails, including the Batona Trail, were closed due to smoke.

Several campgrounds were closed as a result of smoke and ash, including Mullica River Camp, Lower Forge Camp, Hawkins Bridge Camp and Godfrey Bridge Camp.

Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy issued an alert that smoke could be smelled in parts of the county, including Long Beach Island.

State Police, State Park Police, State Conservation officers, Washington Township OEM, Washington Township Emergency Services and Bass River Township Emergency Services were all involved with fire fighting efforts.