Wildfire That Burned Near Burlington Co. Homes Put At Bay

HAINESPORT, NJ — Crews are making progress on a Burlington County wildfire that put several homes at risk.

The "Big Rusty Wildfire" was detected early Monday evening in Hainesport, threatening 20 homes and structures in the early-going. But by nighttime, the fire no longer threatened any houses or infrastructure, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

The wildfire has burned through 40 acres but is 50 percent contained as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, officials said. All roadways have reopened.

There were no mandated evacuations.

It broke out around Bancroft Lane and Cove Court — near a lake community in the woods. Footage from NBC Philadelphia shows the fire burning near some homes on Monday night.

The forest is also home to "Big Rusty" — a giant sculpture made of recycled trash that attracts visitors to the area.

The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.

Record-low rainfall continues to fuel wildfires throughout New Jersey. The state issued a drought warning last week, urging the public to conserve water as water supplies diminish.