June 21, 2022
The New Jersey Forrest Fire Service is reporting that continue to make substantial progress in containing a wildfire in Wharton State Forest – Washington, Shamong, Hammonton & Mullica Townships – which has reached 13,500 acres in size and is 85% contained.
ROAD CLOSURE UPDATES
Route 206 – Reopened 11 a.m.
Route 542 – Reopened 10 a.m.
Batsto Village, Atsion Recreation Area and all associated hiking and mountain bike trails remain closed to visitors. The Mullica River Campground and Lower Forge Campground are closed. Kayak and canoe launching along the Mullica River is closed from the Atsion Recreation Area to Batsto Village. These closures will remain in effect until further notice. Pinelands Adventures has suspended kayak and canoe trips.
18 structures are threatened. There are no reported injuries.
Motorists traveling in the area should remain cautious of smoke and watch for firefighters and fire vehicles that may be working on nearby roadways. Smoke impacts will remain elevated into the evening hours as winds diminish, and partial cloud cover moves over the area.
Please remember, “No Drones in Fire Zones – If YOU fly, WE can’t!”
Helpful Wildfire Terminology
Wildfire – An uncontrolled fire burning the different types of vegetation that cover the land. A wildfire is considered a “major wildfire” after it exceeds 100 acres in size.
Containment – When reporting on a wildfire a percentage of containment will be given, which will state how much of the fireline has been completed.
Backfire – A fire intentionally set along the interior edge of a fireline by Forest Fire Service staff to consume fuel in the path of a wildfire and/or to change the direction of force of a fire’s convection column.
Fireline – The part of a containment or control line that is scraped or dug to mineral soil.
Threatened – Critical infrastructure, roads, homes and commercial buildings that are in the vicinity of a wildfire.
NJ Forest Fire Service Reports 12,000 Acre Wildfire 70% Contained