Wharton State Forest Fire Grows to 200 Acres, 5% Contained

A wildfire that broke out Sunday in Wharton State Forest has grown to 200 acres in size and was only 5% contained as of Sunday night.

The fire was first reported at about 2:45 pm Sunday in the area of Jackson Road near the Atco Speedway in Waterford Township, Camden County, but has spread to include land in both Camden and Burlington counties.

The fire has been named the Dragway Wildfire. Atco Dragway recently announced its closing earlier this year after 63 years of racing.

As of 10 pm Sunday, fire officials said that no structures were involved and no roads had been closed. They are asking that people avoid the area and that no one fly drones nearby that would interfere with the fire service's ability to fight the fire.

Assistant State Fire Warden Bill Donnelly told 6ABC that there had been no injuries and there were no evacuations.

Approximately 30 firefighters and ten fire engines were expected to stay on the scene overnight to keep the fire under control.

"Right now, things are in our favor", Donnolly told Action News. "Basically, the conditions to work are favorable for us. I don't anticipate any problems with what our plan is."

Wharton State Forest is the largest single tract of land in New Jersey's park system. It includes 110,000 acres in Atlantic, Burlington, and Camden counties.