The wildfire in Wharton State Forest was almost fully contained by Monday evening, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
The fire, which measured 4,300 acres in the area of the Batona Campground and Apple Pie Hill in Wharton State Forest, was 90% contained by 8 p.m. Monday, the fire service said.
"Forest Fire Service staff will remain on scene and continue to monitor control lines and address areas of concern until significant precipitation occurs to ensure public safety," the service said.
They also advised the public that smoke may be visible for an extended period while firefighters continue to work.
Early on, two structures were threatened by the wildfire: one residential structure and one hunting club, the fire service said. No injuries were reported.
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 lit 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.
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
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