1.7K-Acre South Jersey Wildfire Contained, Cause Under Investigation

SOUTH JERSEY — Crews made significant progress on a South Jersey wildfire, containing 95 percent of the 1,700-acre blaze as of Tuesday evening, officials said.

The Dragway Wildfire was discovered Sunday afternoon, burning around Jackson Road in Wharton State Forest and near the shuttered Atco Dragway in Waterford Township, Camden County. The containment areas expanded into Burlington County's Medford and Shamong.

With 95 percent of the fire contained as of 6 p.m. Tuesday, there were no reported injuries and no structures threatened, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Officials will continue to investigate the cause of the fire. The Forest Fire Service doesn't expect to release any further updates on the incident.

Jackson Road will remain closed until further notice because of fire-weakened trees and smoke impacts. The roadway crosses through Wharton State Forest. The Atco Dragway — a drag-racing complex on Jackson Road that closed suddenly last month — is right by the 110,000-acre forest.

Forest Fire Service staff will remain on-scene to continue monitoring control lines while addressing areas of concern until significant precipitation occurs.

Wildfires Around The State

Fire officials around the Garden State have warned residents of the increased potential for forest fires in 2023, as the lack of snow in South Jersey this winter has prevented pine needles and leaves from compacting. The result: this "ground fuel" may rapidly dry out on breezy or windy days that are at high risk for wildfire.

While 99 percent of wildfires in the state are attributed to human carelessness, accidents or arson, the riskier peak wildfire season may actually be extended due to changing climate patterns, state officials said.

“The continuing impacts of climate change mean our state is experiencing more severe weather conditions, storms, wind and drought that can result in a longer wildfire season, which is why it is more important than ever that the public exercise caution and take steps to help protect their homes and property,” New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette previously said in a statement. “Preventing wildfires also helps avoid catastrophic releases of carbon that contribute to and exacerbate climate change.”

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service recommends the following to reduce the risk of wildfires:

• Don’t discard matches, cigarettes or smoking materials on the ground
• Obtain a campfire permit from the Forest Fire Service office
• Don’t leave fires unattended, and douse them completely to put them out
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children
• Ensure fire trucks can access driveways
• Report suspicious vehicles and individuals
• Use wood stoves and fireplaces carefully; fully douse ashes with water before disposal