Massive Wildfire's Smoke, Odor Detected In South Jersey Communities

SOUTH JERSEY — A massive wildfire that continues to rage in a state forest can be seen and smelled throughout South Jersey.

The Tea Time Hill Wildfire remained at 4,000 acres (just more than 6 square miles) as of Monday morning, with about 75 percent contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. A fireworks device ignited the fire late Thursday — the Fourth of July — officials said.

The fire in Wharton State Forest is in a remote location, and no homes or properties are at risk. But several communities across the region can see the smoke and smell its odor.

Two South Jersey fire departments reported the odor and visible smoke in their respective areas on Sunday: Cinnaminson, which is about 35 miles northwest of the blaze, and Lindenwold, roughly 30 miles west.

"The winds have shifted and the resulting smell and smoke can be found in our area," said the Lindenwold Fire Department. "If you have any concerns, please call 911 and we will come to check it out."

The current wildfire has been burning near the Batona Campground and Apple Pie Hill — both of which are located around Tabernacle Township, Burlington County. The campground was evacuated Friday, when officials detected the fire.

Odors from wildfires in the New Jersey Pine Barrens — a wooded area than spans much of South Jersey — occasionally travel to populated areas. Last summer, South Jersey communities could smell a Wharton State Forest fire's smoke for several days.

Wind direction and humidity are among the factors that allow smoke to travel far from its source. Last weekend's humidity has kept the current wildfire's smoke low to the ground, according to the Forest Fire service. Additionally, the wind shifted directions, sending the smoke westward.

Smoke conditions will likely continue until the wildfire area gets substantial rainfall, according to a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees the Forest Fire Service. That could take some time, with forecasts showing only a partial chance of rain throughout the coming days. (See the forecast below.)

Batona Campground and Apple Pie Hill — a popular hiking destination with a viewing tower at a high vantage point — are both stops on the 50-mile Batona Trail. The trail, which runs through New Jersey's Pinelands National Reserve, remains closed between Route 532 and Carranza Road. The Tulpehocken Trail is closed from Apple Pie Hill to Hawkins Bridge.

Local Wharton State Forest roadways have been shut down, and Carranza Road remains closed from the Carranza Memorial to Speedwell Road at Friendship Field.

Ninety-nine percent of New Jersey's wildfires are human-caused, according to the Forest Fire Service. Climate change has and will continue to increase the size and frequency of wildfires, along with the length of wildfire season, according to multiple studies cited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Tea Time Hill Fire remains under investigation. Those responsible could be charged with arson (third-degree), causing widespread injury or damage (fourth-degree), possession of prohibited fireworks (petty disorderly person's offense) and violations of several State Park Service statutes.

Anyone with information that could aid officials can call the New Jersey State Park Police tip line at 844-PARK-TIP (844-727-5847).

Here's the National Weather Service's latest forecast for Tabernacle, where the fire has been burning:

• Monday night: Patchy fog after 1 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph.
• Tuesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 103. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Tuesday night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
• Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 105. South wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Wednesday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
• Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.