Wildfire that burned 158 acres in Gloucester County now 100% contained
The fire was burning in a wooded area spanning both Franklin and Monroe townships.
FRANKLIN TWP., New Jersey (WPVI) -- Firefighters have gotten the upper hand on a wildfire that was burning across two townships in Gloucester County, New Jersey.
The Box Turtle Fire, as it was dubbed by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, consumed 158 acres in Franklin and Monroe townships.
The forest fire service says the fire was 100% contained around 2 p.m. Tuesday.
It was burning in both the White Oaks Wildlife Management Area and private property.
As trees continued to smolder, residents checked out the controlled burns along Jackson Road.
"I didn't realize it was this close to the road. And that smoke back there is what concerned me. And my son walked back and there is fire," said Margaret Drinkwater of Monroe Twp., N.J.
The service said Tuesday that staffers will remain on the scene to monitor the situation.
Smoke conditions may exist for a few days, the service said, so drivers are urged to use caution.
The fire was reported around 5:30 p.m. Monday.
"Last week we had an inch of rain and here we are today - a major wildfire," said Jonathan Knapp, Section Warden for the N.J. Forest Fire Service.
Officials say conditions are dry, especially after a warm winter without much snow.
"The sun's been actually getting more coverage on the ground to dry up the fuels on the ground for wildfires to ignite," said Knapp.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
No injuries were reported.
While there are no burning restrictions in place in New Jersey, firefighters ask that people be careful with any campfires or hot coals and take care to extinguish them properly.
