Fire at Wharton State Forest grows to 2,800 acres, DEP says
The forest fire in southern Burlington County near the Batsto Village and fire tower has grown to 2,800 acres, the state Department of Environmental Protection said Friday.
As of noon, the state Forest Fire Service contained 60 percent of the fire, said DEP spokesman Bob Considine. The established containment area is an estimated 3,500 acres, he said.
Hawkins Bridge Camp, Godfrey Bridge Camp, Lower Forge Camp and Mullica River Camp are also closed due to the smoke and ash from the fire.
Light northerly winds are blowing smoke south into Atlantic County, resulting in a heavy smell of smoke and thick air for many early Friday morning.
The fire, which developed late Thursday, initially caused smoke to drift into Ocean County as winds blew from the west and southwest.
"The incident commander is pleased with the progress made the last 12 hours and is confident in the plan's success," Considine said.
An alert by from the Hamilton Township Police Department noted that the forest fire was not a threat to local residents.
