The major Pinelands wildfire started by fireworks in Burlington County is steadily being contained, and no structures are threatened, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
The 4,000-acre fire's containment increased to 75% from 65% Sunday afternoon, leaving the Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest still evacuated, the fire service said.
The Batona Trail is closed between Route 532 and Carranza Road, and the Tulpehocken Trail is closed from Apple Pie Hill to Hawkins Bridge, according to the fire service. Local Wharton State Forest roads remain closed, as well as Carranza Road from the Carranza Memorial to Speedwell Road at Friendship Field.
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A firework device lighted inside the forest ignited the fire late Thursday, July 4, and the Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower discovered the fire shortly after 9 a.m. Friday, July 5, according to the forest fire service, which led the investigation into the origin of the fire, assisted by the New Jersey State Park Police, the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, and the Burlington County Fire Marshal's Office.
Wharton State Forest, located in Burlington, Atlantic and Camden counties, is the largest single tract of land within the New Jersey park system. The state forest is more than 110,000 acres.
Anyone with further information about the fire that could aid in the investigation should call the New Jersey State Park Police tip line, 844-PARK-TIP (844-727-5847).
Jenna Calderón covers breaking news and cold cases in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Before coming to the Press, she covered The Queen City for Cincinnati Magazine in Ohio. Contact her at 330-590-3903; jcalderon@gannettnj.com
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Firefighters taking down Wharton State Forest fire, but campground remains evacuated
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