Humans Likely Caused 11,000-Acre NJ Forest Fire In Pine Barrens, Officials Say

SOUTH JERSEY — New Jersey officials have "ruled out natural causes" in their investigation of a fire that's spread to more than 11,000 acres of the Wharton State Forest as of Monday afternoon.

Shawn LaTourette, the state Commissioner of Environmental Protection, said the Mullica River Fire could spread to 15,000 acres before it's completely contained. That would make it the largest fire in 15 years, he said at a Monday press conference.

"We've got to take our use of our natural resources very seriously," said LaTourette. He and other officials mentioned several ways humans can accidentally cause fires, but did not point to any specific one as the reason this latest burn began.

As of 3:18 p.m. Monday, the fire has reached 11,000 acres and is 50 percent contained. The fire was first reported Sunday morning, officials said. No injuries have been reported.

The forest fire service said its firefighters are setting backfires to assist in containing the fire, which is in the heart of the Pine Barrens. Wharton State Forest is the largest tract of land in New Jersey, encompassing more than 110,000 acres in Atlantic, Burlington, and Camden counties. Smoke could be seen as far east as Long Beach Island, the Twitter account LBIweather said. The plume was also visible on the National Weather Service radar.

Two road closures remain in place: Route 206 from Chew Road to Atsion Road, and Route 542 from Green Bank Road to Columbia Road. Officials said they hope to reopen these roads by Monday night.

The fire threatens 18 campground structures at Paradise Lake, including cabins and campsites.

State campgrounds have evacuated but no residential areas were evacuated, the forest fire service said.

Officials also urged people to stop trying to fly drones over the fire, because the drones interfere with firefighting efforts.

"No Drones in Fire Zones — If YOU fly, WE can't!" the agency said.

The fire is affecting woodlands between Atsion Village and Batsto Village, the state Department of Environmental Protection said.

Batsto Village, a historic area on the eastern end of the forest, is closed, as are all associated hiking and mountain bike trails, the forest fire service said. Boat launches along the Mullica River are closed from the Atsion Recreation Area to Batsto Village, and the Atsion Recreation Area is closed. The Mullica River Campground, Lower Forde Campground and Mullica River Trail are closed.

There are historic buildings in Batsto Village, and officials with the state Department of Environmental Protection said the Forest Fire Service is working with local fire departments to protect the village and campgrounds.

"Structure protection is in place and provided by local volunteer fire departments from Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean counties, we thank them for their assistance," Forest Fire Service officials said.

Batsto Village was a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from 1766 to 1867, and reflects the way it existed during the late 19th century.

Authorities said they will continue to provide updates on the progress of containing the fire.