HAINESPORT, N.J. — New Jersey State Police are investigating a suspicious brush fire that occurred on November 18 near the “Big Rusty” monument, a towering steel structure located along State Highway 38 in Hainesport Township, Burlington County.
Troopers responded to the scene at approximately 4:39 p.m. after receiving reports of the fire, which was quickly extinguished but left investigators suspicious about its origins. Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in determining what caused the fire and are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have witnessed the blaze or observed unusual activity near the monument.
The “Big Rusty” monument, officially known as the Hainesport Steel Mast, is a 40-foot-tall steel sculpture erected in 1975 as a tribute to the area’s industrial history. The weathered appearance of the structure, covered in rust, has become a distinctive feature of the local landscape and earned it its nickname among residents. Located along a heavily traveled stretch of State Highway 38, the monument serves as a local landmark and symbol of the township’s heritage.
Despite its historical significance, “Big Rusty” has been the target of multiple acts of vandalism over the years. Incidents have ranged from graffiti to attempts at structural damage, often prompting concerns from local residents and officials about preserving the monument. In recent years, authorities have responded to an uptick in suspicious activity near the site, making the recent fire another troubling event in a pattern of attacks.
“Big Rusty” holds sentimental value for many in the community, with some viewing it as an enduring symbol of Hainesport’s industrial past and a tribute to the workers who helped build the region. However, its isolated location off the highway has made it a frequent site of vandalism and other illicit activity.
New Jersey State Police have not yet connected the brush fire to past incidents of vandalism but are investigating all possibilities. Residents with information about the fire are urged to contact the NJSP Troop “C” Bordentown Station Detective Bureau at 609-298-1171. Anonymous tips are welcome.
Authorities are treating the fire as suspicious as they work to determine if it is related to previous vandalism targeting the historic monument.
