This is a developing story. Updates to come.
Crews from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service battle a wildfire in Wharton State Forest near the Carranza Memorial in Burlington County.
A private aircraft spotted smoke early Friday morning, prompting an immediate response. Firefighters deploy helicopters to drop water, bulldozers to clear vegetation, and engines alongside ground crews to contain the flames.
The fire has grown to 100 acres and shows no signs of slowing. Crews focus on building and reinforcing containment lines while setting backfires to eliminate fuel in the fire’s path.
Officials closed Tuckerton Road from Carranza Road to Washington Turnpike to keep the public away. Bulldozer Road and nearby forest roads remain closed to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles. The Batona Trail is closed between Carranza and Bulldozer roads.
Officials evacuated Lower Forge Campground as a precaution. No homes, commercial buildings or critical infrastructure face threat, and firefighters report no injuries.
Crews continue investigating the cause as they work to contain the fire.
Officials urge residents and visitors to avoid the area and warn that flying drones near the fire disrupts aerial firefighting and poses serious safety risks.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service plans to provide the next update on the Wharton State Forest wildfire around 4 p.m. today.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.