Wharton State Forest Fire Updates
Tuesday, June 22nd (11am): ***This will be our final update on this fire unless there are significant developments.***
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has reached 95% containment of a 13,500-acre wildfire at the Wharton State Forest in Washington, Shamong, Hammonton & Mullica Townships.
There is an ongoing investigation into an illegal campfire which has been determined to be the cause of the fire. Anyone with information can contact our Division B office at 609-726-9010.
-Road closures have been lifted.
-Atsion Recreation Area has reopened.
-Batsto Village has reopened.
-Hiking trails between Atsion and Batsto remain closed due to active fire activity.
-Kayaking and canoeing along the Mullica and Batsto Rivers remains closed between Atsion and Batsto. Pinelands Adventures has suspended kayak and canoe trips.
-Wharton State Forest’s Mullica River Campground remains closed.
The fire was first spotted at 10:06 a.m. Sunday by a Forest Fire Service observer at the Batsto Fire Tower. The fire was fueled by breezy conditions and low humidity. Structure protection was provided by local volunteer fire departments from Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean counties, we thank them for their assistance. The public is advised that smoke may be visible for an extended period while firefighters continue to patrol and mop-up this wildfire. Motorists traveling in the area should remain cautious of smoke, firefighters and fire vehicles that may be working on nearby roadways.
