New Jersey
Forest fire burns 4,000 acres in N.J. but is now 65% contained, officials say
Authorities say a fast-moving forest fire that has burned thousands of acres in southern New Jersey is now 65% contained.
The blaze in the Wharton State Forest was reported early Friday. Officials believe it began in the area of the Batona Campground in Tabernacle, which was evacuated as a precaution.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Saturday that the blaze has now burned an estimated 4000 acres (1618.74 hectares), but they report having made “substantial progress” in containing the fire. Officials said crews were monitoring and improving containment lines and conducting burnout operations in pockets of unburnt fuel.