A Wildfire in Wharton State Forest has been fully contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service announced Monday morning.
The fire was first detected around 1 p.m. on Saturday in the area of Raritan Avenue and Old Atsion Road in Waterford. By Saturday evening, flames had spread across the Mullica River, reaching Shamong Township in Burlington County.
As a precaution, campers at the Atsion and Goshen Pond campgrounds—both popular sites within Wharton State Forest—were evacuated. The wildfire scorched over 2,300 acres before being brought under control. Fire crews will remain on-site in the coming days to monitor conditions and ensure no flare-ups occur.
Though no homes or structures were affected, lingering smoke is expected in the area until substantial rainfall helps to thoroughly douse the burn zone.
Wharton State Forest, the largest state forest in New Jersey, spans parts of Burlington, Camden, and Atlantic counties. Known for its vast Pine Barrens ecosystem, winding sand roads, and historic Batsto Village, the forest is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and paddling along the Mullica River.
All previously closed roads within the forest, including Raritan Avenue, Old Atsion Road, 5 Mile Crossing, and Goshen Pond, have now reopened.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.