Wharton State Forest On Fire

 Update7/24-

 WHARTON STATE FOREST — The wildfire burning since Thursday above Batsto in Burlington County was 50 percent controlled and 100 percent contained Sunday night, fire officials said.

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/wharton-fire-percent-controlled-percent-contained-at-acres/article_aa956d4c-d5bf-5f28-84c5-5def8a1f35c3.html 

Update 7/22 - 
As of 9 a.m. Saturday, the DEP says the fire has more than tripled in size, with pockets of interior burning, but is 100 percent contained and 30 percent controlled.

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/wharton-state-forest-fire-contained-continues-to-burn-saturday/article_203e4780-1c1e-51a6-bead-fcef5e4f64b0.html 

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Mullica Township Police Department shared Dan Skeldon's photo.

Smoke can be seen and smelled in all portions of the Township. Residents are asked not to call 9-1-1 unless of an emergency. The Mullica Township Police Department is working closely with NJ Forest Fire Service to assure the safety of all residents.

https://www.facebook.com/TheOfficialDanSkeldonPage/photos/a.168381519905354.42422.168003253276514/1480279092048917/?type=3&theater 

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The forest fire in southern Burlington County near the Batsto Village and fire tower has grown to 2,800 acres, the state Department of Environmental Protection said Friday.

 As of noon, the state Forest Fire Service contained 60 percent of the fire, said DEP spokesman Bob Considine. The established containment area is an estimated 3,500 acres, he said.

Batsto Village, the visitor center, and all trails including the Batona Trail are closed.

Hawkins Bridge Camp, Godfrey Bridge Camp, Lower Forge Camp and Mullica River Camp are also closed due to the smoke and ash from the fire.

Light northerly winds are blowing smoke south into Atlantic County, resulting in a heavy smell of smoke and thick air for many early Friday morning. 

The fire, which developed late Thursday, initially caused smoke to drift into Ocean County as winds blew from the west and southwest.

"The incident commander is pleased with the progress made the last 12 hours and is confident in the plan's success," Considine said. 

An alert by from the Hamilton Township Police Department noted that the forest fire was not a threat to local residents.

However, light northerly winds are blowing smoke south into Atlantic County, resulting in a heavy smell of smoke and thick air for many early Friday morning.

The fire, which developed late Thursday, initially caused smoke to drift into Ocean County as winds blew from the west and southwest.

The smoke is worsening the already poor air quality over South Jersey, which is due to the high humidity levels and ozone. 

Winds will shift more southwest or southerly later Friday, which should push the smoke back to the north.

Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean County officials urge residents not to call 9-1-1 unless they see flames.

Video at
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/top_three/fire-at-wharton-state-forest-grows-to-acres-dep-says/article_ede8a2ac-4be5-557a-ad9b-c95c39ffc7ff.html