Fireworks blamed for Tea Time Hill Wildfire in Wharton State Forest

TABERNACLE — Someone setting off fireworks ignited a blaze that's scorched 4,000 acres in a state forest here, authorities say.

An investigation is underway into the Tea Time Hill Wildfire, according to the state Forest Fire Service.

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Firefighters battled extreme heat and flames to contain 75 percent of the fire in Wharton State Forest by Sunday afternoon, it said in a 3 p.m. update.

The blaze was spotted from an observation tower around 9 a.m. Friday, July 5.

The fire-fighting effort included ground crews and two helicopters, one for observation and the other capable of dropping 300 gallons of water.

The response took part during a heat wave that pushed high temperatures into the 90s, with high humidity making it feel considerably hotter.

No injuries were reported and no buildings were threatened, according to Sunday's update.

The blaze was burning near Apple Pie Hill and the Batona Campground, which was evacuated Friday.

No private homes were evacuated, the fire service said.

Wharton State Forest covers more than 110,000 acres in Burlington, Camden and Atlantic counties.

Anyone with information about the blaze is asked to call the New Jersey State Park Police tip line at 844-727-5847.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.