MULLICA RIVER, NJ – A 13,500-acre fire inside Wharton State Forest near Mullica River is expected to continue to burn and smolder for a few more days, but the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service today said the fire is 95% contained.
Rain is forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday, but with the weather system, dense low-lying smoke is expected to hinder air quality throughout areas of central and south Jersey and along portions of the Jersey Shore.
“The New Jersey Forest Fire Service continues 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 95% contained,” the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported today.
All road closures have been lifted. Forest Fire Service staff will continue to mop-up and patrol along the fire containment perimeter. Smoke will continue to be visible as the interior sections of the fire continue to burn.
“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 within Wharton State Forest are closed,”according to state officials. “Kayak and canoe launching along the Mullica River is closed from the Atsion Recreation Area to Batsto Village. Pinelands Adventures has suspended kayak and canoe trips. These closures will remain in effect until further notice.”
Photos by NJ FFS/NJ DEP
