Firefighters across New Jersey worked through Saturday night to combat three separate wildfires that broke out in different parts of the state, with strong winds contributing to their rapid spread.
Blazes were reported in Gloucester Township, Hopewell Township, and Pennsville as wind gusts reached up to 45 mph speeds. As of Sunday, all three incidents remained under investigation.
Weather conditions over the weekend heightened the risk of wildfires, particularly in central and southern New Jersey, where forecasters predicted continued windy conditions on Sunday.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service also began looking into reports of additional fires in Jackson Township and Winslow Township, though no further details were immediately available.
Gloucester Township Fire
In Gloucester Township, approximately 100 firefighters and emergency personnel from 20 different agencies responded to a fire near a former landfill, according to local authorities.
Despite the landfill’s history of waste collection, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirmed it remained unaffected by the fire. Solar panels installed on the site were also undamaged. A few households were temporarily evacuated but were cleared to return by Sunday morning. To aid firefighting efforts, roads were closed but the fire is believed to have consumed nearly 40 acres.
Hopewell Township Fire
Further north, in Hopewell Township, a wildfire spread across 288 acres, endangering over 20 homes and several commercial buildings, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. By Sunday morning, firefighters had managed to contain roughly 80 percent of the blaze. The response required officials to close Poor Farm and Woosamonsa roads, though it was unclear whether they had reopened by the morning. By 8 p.m. Sunday, containment had improved to 90 percent.
Pennsville Fire
Meanwhile, in South Jersey, another wildfire ignited in Pennsville, burning through 50 acres near Fort Mott State Park. Officials reported the fire was primarily contained by late Saturday night.
While a dozen structures were initially considered at risk, firefighters made significant progress in controlling the flames, ensuring no evacuations or road closures were necessary.
Fort Mott State Park, which sits along the Delaware River and once housed a military base over one hundred years ago, appeared to have been spared. According to the National Weather Service, the fire was concentrated in dry marshlands along the riverbank.
Weather Concerns
Avoid outdoor burning due to ongoing strong winds, which could sustain fire growth and make blazes difficult to control. Although the seasons are changing, drought conditions persist across New Jersey, with the southernmost regions experiencing the worst levels. While some improvement has been noted, fire risks remain high.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.