Ocean/Burlington Forest Fire Caused By Campfire, Authorities Say

by Patricia A. Miller

The forest fire on the Ocean/Burlington county lines was caused by the careless disposal of charcoal briquettes from a campfire, according to a joint investigation by the state Forest Fire Service, state park police, fire officials and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

The blaze, which sent smoke wafting all through Ocean County last night and today, is now 100 percent contained, according to the New Jersey Forests Facebook page.

But 1,012 acres were destroyed by the fire, dubbed the Woodmansie Wildfire.

“Improper disposal of charcoal briquettes from an unauthorized campfire on neighboring private property caused this fire,” according to the Facebook post.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s office has said the fire, burned in Woodland Township, at the Burlington County-Ocean County line, just north of Route 72 and just west of Route 539. It did not threaten any structures or cause any injuries.

The fire producing residual smoke that drifted northeast and could be smelled in many Ocean County municipalities, authorities said.

All fires in central and southern New Jersey in wooded areas are prohibited unless in an elevated prepared fireplace, elevated charcoal grill or stove using electricity or a liquid or gas fuel. An elevated prepared fireplace must be constructed of steel, stone, brick or concrete with its fire box elevated at least one foot above the ground surface and surrounded by at least a ten feet radius clearance to mineral soil. For updates visit our website: http://www.state.nj.us/…/…/fire/firedanger-restrictions.html