800-acre wildfire burns through south jersey wildlife area — File Photo: New Jersey Forest Fire Service

VINELAND, NJ — Firefighters continue to battle a wildfire that has scorched approximately 800 acres in the Peaslee Wildlife Management Area in Cumberland County, officials said Friday.

The fire, known as “Danny’s Wildfire,” broke out in a remote section of the wildlife reserve and is currently 20% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

No structures are threatened or have been evacuated as crews work to contain the blaze. Officials emphasized that the area remains largely undeveloped and access is limited, complicating suppression efforts.

Several road closures remain in effect, including Union Road between Route 49 and Mays Landing Road, and Bennetts Mill Road between Union Road and the Manumuskin River.

Ground crews, fire engines, and bulldozers have been deployed to the site. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Public urged to avoid airspace, remain clear of fire zone

Authorities are urging the public to avoid flying drones in the vicinity of the fire. “If YOU fly, WE can’t,” the Forest Fire Service stated, warning that unauthorized drones pose a risk to aerial firefighting operations.

Key Points

Wildfire has burned 800 acres in Peaslee Wildlife Management Area, Vineland
Fire is 20% contained; no structures threatened or evacuated
Roads closed and cause under investigation; next update expected Saturday morning

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.