TABERNACLE, NJ — A devastating forest fire in southern New Jersey has been linked to fireworks, authorities have said. The fire, which has consumed thousands of acres, started when a “fireworks device” was set alight late on the Fourth of July in Wharton State Forest.
The blaze was first spotted from a fire tower just after 9 am on Friday, burning close to Apple Pie Hill and Batona Campground, which has been evacuated as a precautionary measure. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is leading the investigation into the fire, in collaboration with state park police, the state division of fire safety, and the Burlington County fire marshal’s office.
Authorities believe that 75% of the fire has been contained, with an estimated 4,000 acres burned so far. Firefighters have employed a backfire operation to combat the blaze, burning areas ahead of the main fire in an attempt to prevent further spread. Several roads and trails have been closed due to the ongoing firefighting efforts.
Officials have asked anyone with information regarding the fire to contact the state park police tip line. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the damage and prevent future incidents of this nature from occurring.
