newjerseynewsroom.com

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

A massive wildfire pushed by gusty winds has burned 600 acres of the Pinelands in Burlington on Monday, and firefighters have yet to bring it under control.

Approximately 60 state firefighters joined by dozens of volunteers are battling the blaze in Tabernacle and Woodland townships in the heart of the Pinelands. The blaze is expected to eventually burn at least 1,000 acres. Firefighters are also attempting to protect some 25 houses situated in the Pinelands. Fire mitigation efforts have been employed around each of the houses, including the use of backfires, to protect the isolated residences.

There have been no reports of injuries and no mandatory evacuations at this time.

“Our crews are working very hard to contain and extinguish this fire and to ensure that area residents are protected,’’ stated Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin after touring the fire area. “With current dry conditions and low humidity creating a high danger for wildfires, it is important to remind all New Jersey residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution to prevent wildfires at this particularly vulnerable time.’’

“The Forest Fire Service is increasing fire patrols, and we are increasing our response capabilities as this drying trend continues,” state Forest Fire Service Chief Michael Drake said. “But we need your help to prevent fires and to alert us if you see or suspect one.’’

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning in effect until Monday evening. Wind gusts have reached 40 MPH.

The Tabernacle/Woodland fire was discovered just after midnight when a resident made a 911 call to Burlington County authorities to report a smoky odor. A state fire warden was promptly notified and soon discovered the ongoing blaze.

Personnel on the ground are using bulldozers and heavy equipment to create containment lines, while support also is being offered by helicopters and air tankers.

There are two road closures in Tabernacle due to the fire. Sooy Place Road, near Route 563, and a portion of South Park Road have been closed.

As of 4 p.m., fire had blackened 1,000 acres.

Firefighters reported fire 50 percent contained.

There were no reports of mandatory evacuations, structural damage or injuries as of 3 p.m.

“Heavy winds are making it more difficult than usual to battle this blaze, and prevent it from jumping from containment,’’ state Forest Fire Service Acting Chief Michael Drake said. He noted the cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Another forest fire is also ongoing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington County Monday. Firefighters with the state Forest Fire Service, JB MDL Fire and Emergency Services and the New Egypt Fire Department are attempting to contain the blaze.

Through early afternoon, approximately 300 acres of wooded area had been burned. The fire was first located on the base’s training ranges and moved in an easterly direction where previous controlled burns had been conducted.

The fire danger level is listed as extreme in Burlington, Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem, Monmouth and Ocean counties, as well as Middlesex County south of the Raritan River. In the rest of the state, the fire danger level is high. In Burlington, Monmouth and Ocean counties, and Middlesex County south of the Raritan River, there are Stage Three campfire restrictions – meaning all fires in wooded areas are prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, gas or electricity.