Wildfire in Burlington County, New Jersey, grows to 6,000 acres; 90% contained
SHAMONG TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- The wildfire burning in Burlington County, New Jersey, has grown in size, but firefighters are making progress containing the blaze.
It's happening near the Carranza Memorial Historic Site in the Wharton State Forest in Shamong Twp.
The blaze, dubbed the "Mines Spung Wildfire," is 6,000 acres in size and was 90% contained as of Tuesday, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.
Smoke from the fire also created air quality concerns, reaching as far as New Castle County, Delaware, on Monday.
Officials issued a code orange.
People with breathing issues and the elderly were told they should limit their time outdoors.
Authorities say five structures remain threatened All evacuation orders have been lifted.
Multiple closures are also still in place, including:
- Hampton Road closed
- Tuckerton Rd closed between Carranza Rd. to Washington Rd.
- The Batona Trail is closed between Carranza Rd. and Quaker Bridge
- Bulldozer Rd closed
- Batsto River closed between Hampton Rd. and Quaker Bridge
- Lower Forge Wilderness Campground closed
Officials say the first report of the fire came from a private aircraft flying over the area on Friday morning.
It's not yet known how the fire started.
The Forest Fire Service urges people not to fly drones in the area.
"If you fly, we can't!" officials said in a social media post.
