California Branch Wildfire in New Jersey's Wharton State Forest fully contained, fire officials say

WATERFORD, New Jersey (WPVI) -- The California Branch Wildfire at Wharton State Forest is now fully contained, New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Monday morning.

The fire was initially spotted in the area of Raritan Avenue and Old Atsion Road in Waterford around 1 p.m. on Saturday.

On Saturday evening the wildfire crossed the Mullica River and burned into Shamong Twp., Burlington County.

Both the Atsion and Goshen Pond campgrounds in Wharton State Forest were evacuated out of an abundance of caution.

It burned more than 2,300 acres before being contained, forest fire officials said.



Crews will remain on scene for the next several days.



Smoke is expected to remain present in the area until significant rain falls over the fire area.