UPDATE - 10 AM Wednesday: The fire is 257 acres in size and now 85% contained. Route 542 has reopened; Old Church and River Roads remain closed.


UPDATE - 11 PM TUESDAY: The fire is currently 257 acres in size and 65% contained.


UPDATE - 8 PM TUESDAY: The fire is 257 acres in size and 30% contained. Forest Fire Service crews are utilizing a backfire to help contain and stop the forward progression of the fire.

Our original report continues below.


Firefighters are battling yet another wildfire in the Pine Barrens of South Jersey.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service says this blaze, the "River Road Wildfire," is off of County Route 542 and River Road in Washington Township, lower Burlington County.

As of around 3:30 Tuesday afternoon, the fire was 75 acres in size and 0% contained. 30 structures were threatened with no mandatory evacuations.

The wildfire is burning in pine, oak and mountain laurel fuels. Upon the Forest Fire Service’s arrival, a strong direct attack of the fire was attempted by the air and ground.

River Road Wildfire - Photo: Chris Coleman
River Road Wildfire - Photo: Chris Coleman
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As of Tuesday afternoon, the following roads were closed:

  • Rt. 542 between Wading River Bridge and Lovers Lane
  • Old Church Road
  • River Road

The fire was first detected by a forest fire service observer in the Bass River Fire Tower at 11:48 AM.

River Road Wildfire - Photo: Chris Coleman
River Road Wildfire - Photo: Chris Coleman
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A red flag warning for critical fire weather conditions remains in place until 8 PM.

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