JACKSON TWP., N.J. — Firefighters achieved 90% containment of the Shotgun Wildfire, a 350-acre blaze in the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, by Friday evening. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported significant progress in their efforts, but crews will remain on-site for several days to secure containment lines and monitor hotspots.
The wildfire, located near Stump Tavern Road, was first reported on Wednesday at 12:17 p.m., initially prompting evacuations and road closures in Jackson Township. At the height of the incident, 25 structures were threatened, and 15 homes were evacuated as a precaution. Evacuation orders were lifted later that evening, at 9 p.m., as the risk to nearby residences diminished.
Stump Tavern Road remains closed between Route 571 and Route 528, with daily evaluations by Jackson Township Police and the Forest Fire Service to determine when it can safely reopen.
Though containment efforts have stabilized much of the fire, smoke is expected to persist in the area until substantial rainfall occurs. Fire service officials indicated that this would be the final update on the Shotgun Wildfire unless there are significant changes.
No structures are currently threatened, and no further evacuations are anticipated.
According to township officials speaking on the condition of anonymity, the fire is being called the “Shotgun” fire because it was allegedly triggered by a person shooting an incendiary round from a shotgun at a local rifle range. Those rounds are illegal in New Jersey, and the range prohibits illegal activities. Police have not yet announced any charges in this matter.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service provided the included photos.
