Firefighters battle wildfire in Wharton State Forest
A wildfire in Wharton State Forest resulted in a road closure Wednesday morning as crews were on scene to combat the blaze.
The County Line fire impacts areas of Waterford in Camden County and Shamong in Burlington County.
As of 3 p.m., the state Forest Fire Service said 40 percent of the fire was contained, and the size had grown from 100 to 300 acres. It also noted no buildings were threatened.
The fire-fighting effort closed Jackson Road from Tremont Avenue to Atsion Road, the fire service said.
Air quality in the region was reported as moderate at 7 p.m. Wednesday, suggesting a risk for some people, especially those sensitive to air pollution.
The fire service said it had responded to the blaze with around crews and an observation helicopter.
"Crews are utilizing a backfire operation to burn fuel ahead of the main body of fire which will help aid containment efforts," it said.
WILDFIRE UPDATE: County Line Wildfire - Wharton State Forest@njdepforestfire is on scene of a wildfire burning in the area of Jackson Rd in Wharton SF. Crews are utilizing a backfire operation to burn fuel ahead of the main body of fire which will help aid containment efforts. pic.twitter.com/0uwuafEv6h
— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) April 24, 2024
The Goshen campground was evacuated and closed during the blaze.
Officials also closed the Burnt Mill, Goshen Pond and Sleeper Creek trails.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Crews battle blaze in Wharton State Forest in Waterford, Shamong
