BREAKING: Ocean County Sending Crews To Assist At Wharton State Forest Wildfire

Ocean County fire volunteers are enroute this evening to assist crews battling the massive wildfire currently burning at the Wharton State Forest (pictured), located in Burlington and Atlantic Counties in Southern New Jersey.

The wind-driven fire continues to spread and burned nearly 700 acres Sunday evening and was only 10% contained as of 7:30 p.m., with at least 6 structures threatened and one campground evacuated, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported.

The fire was first reported at about 12pm Sunday and the dry and windy conditions in the area likely contributed to the blaze.

No injuries have been reported.

According to the state fire service, a wildfire becomes a “major wildfire” after it exceeds 100 acres.

Wharton State Forest is the largest in the state and sees hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Batsto Village and all associated hiking and mountain bike trails are currently closed to visitors. The Mullica River Campground, Mullica River Trail and boat launches along the Mullica River are 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. The Paradise Lakes Campground has been evacuated.

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