July 4 fireworks set New Jersey fire that burned thousands of acres in Wharton State Forest
Wildfire in New Jersey's Wharton State Forest is said to be 75% contained after spreading to 4,000 acres
TABERNACLE TWP., New Jersey (WPVI) -- Investigators say fireworks are to blame for a wildfire that has consumed thousands of acres in New Jersey's Wharton State Forest.
The fireworks were lit inside the forest late on the night of Thursday, July 4, officials said.
The fire was discovered around 9 a.m. Friday in the area of the Batona Campground and Apple Pie Hill.
The New Jersey State Park Police issued a reminder that fireworks are strictly prohibited in the state's parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites.
Police say that includes, but is not limited to, beaches, campgrounds, fields and forested areas.
There is an ongoing investigation with the New Jersey State Park Police, the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, and the Burlington County Fire Marshal's Office.
Anyone who sees illegal activity is asked to call DEP Dispatch at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337) or 9-1-1.
Wharton State Forest wildfire latest
As of Monday morning, the "Tea Time Hill Wildfire," as it's called, is 75% contained, the NJ Forest Fire Service said.
The flames have spread across 4,000 acres.
No structures are threatened and no residential homes have had to be evacuated.
There are some local road closures in the area of the forest, and Carranza Road is closed from the Carranza Memorial to Speedwell Road at Friendship Field.
The Batona Trail is closed between Route 532 and Carranza Road and the Tulpehocken Trail is closed from Apple Pie Hill to Hawkins Bridge.
The Batona Campground has been evacuated.
NJ officials are also reminding people of the "No Drones in Fire Zones."
"If YOU fly, WE can't!" NJ Forest Fire Services says.
