Wildfire in Burlington County burns more than 5,000 acres as crews make significant progress
SHAMONG, N.J. - A wildfire which started Friday morning in Burlington County is still burning Sunday, though firefighters are working diligently to contain it and have over half of the fire under control.
What we know:
Despite recent heavy rain, a wildfire began burning in the Wharton State Forest, in Burlington County, Friday morning.
A small, private plane flying overhead noticed the flames and called it into officials.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has been tackling the flames, and officials say that 5,750 acres have burned.
The crews have contained 80 percent of the blaze.
Wildfire burning in Burlington County, New Jersey
Fire crews are responding to a wildfire in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County, New Jersey.
Local perspective:
Thick smoke spread across much of the region late Friday, leaving a campfire scent as far away as Delaware County early Saturday morning.
Crews have also closed the Batona Trail between Carranza Rd and Quaker Bridge Rd.
They also say five structures are threatened. There were no details regarding what the structures were.
The Lower Forge Campground and the Phillip M. Costello Preparatory Academy were evacuated Friday.
What's next:
Fire officials say no injuries have been reported.
A new update is expected by the NJ Forest Service around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 15th.