Wildfire in Burlington County mostly contained
BROWNS MILLS, N.J. (WPVI) -- A wildfire at a training range on the grounds of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Browns Mills, Burlington County is now almost entirely contained.
Public affairs officials say the fire has burned 220 acres of forest.
Crews will spend the weekend monitoring the fire and putting out any hot spots.
The fire was reported around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. The spreading flames prompted the temporary evacuation of several homes at the Lake Shore Mobile Home Park.
"I was very scared yesterday. When something like that happens and you have to pack everything up and leave your home, it's scary," said Ida Holcomb.
Base officials say the fire was reported in an area called Tact 2, a range the troops use for training. They say it's likely training was going on when the fire began but they can't say that's what actually caused the blaze.
"I didn't get much sleep," said Janice Couch. "It was so smoky and my house still smelled of smoke, and since we have propane out here, if the fire gets to it, it'll blow up."
Thhere have been no reports of injuries or structural damage as firefighters work to extinguish the second range fire at the base in a week.
