Forest Fire In Burlington County Nearly 80 Percent Contained

by Patricia A. Miller

Although no homes have been threatened, a massive forest fire in the Butler Place section of Woodland Township has already burned through 395 acres, according to the township website.

The blaze broke out in a heavily-wooded section of the Pinelands National Preserve on Sunday and shut down traffic on Route 72 near Route 539 for several hours. The fire affected travelers who were returning from a weekend on Long Beach Island and also impacted Stafford, Barnegat and Manchester townships.

Residents can expect to smell smoke as the wind shifts. Small spot fires have broken out but were quickly extinguish the website states.

The fire is still burning but about 80 percent has been contained, authorities said.

Gusty winds - some as high as 40 miles per hour - and dry conditions fanned the flames on Sunday. Expect west winds around 14 miles per hour on Monday.