Lightning strikes caused 2 different New Jersey wildfires, officials say
BURLINGTON COUNTY, N.J. (CBS) -- Lightning strikes caused the Acorn Hill and Flatiron wildfires in Burlington County in June, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Tuesday.
The Acorn Hill wildfire burned 246 acres and crews placed it under 100% containment Tuesday morning.
Lightning strikes from two June storms sparked the Acorn Hill & Flatiron wildfires in Burlington County, @njdepforestfire announced today.
— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) June 20, 2023
The Forest Fire Service investigated both fires in coordination with the NJ Division of Fire Safety and the Burlington County Fire Marshal. pic.twitter.com/sSKDkdDS8R
The Flatiron wildfire burned 210 acres in Medford earlier in June.
The NJFFS said lightning-caused wildfires are uncommon in New Jersey and represent 1% of all wildfires in the Garden State.
Wildfires caused by lightning strikes also don't necessarily start immediately, the NJFFS said. The fire can burn inside a tree for several days before it escapes and impacts the surrounding area. The NJFFS said the occurrence is known as a "holdover fire."
The NJFFS investigated both fires in coordination with the Division of Fire Safety and the Burlington County Fire Marshall.
Fire officials are also investigating other recent major wildfires in the state.