Smoldering Charcoal Blamed For Pine Barrens Forest Fire
WOODLAND TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey state environmental officials on Wednesday said some charcoal briquettes apparently sparked a forest fire that has burned roughly 1,000 acres in New Jersey's Pine Barrens.
The fire broke out on Monday near Byrne State Forest in Woodland Township, Burlington County, and later spread in Ocean County.
Authorities said the blaze was 100 percent contained by late Tuesday afternoon, but it was still smoldering Wednesday.
Officials said the fire started on private property after someone improperly disposed of charcoal briquettes. It spread quickly because conditions were dry and windy, and crews had difficulty getting to the fire site because it was in a remote area.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is investigating the fire.
Authorities said late Tuesday it was not yet known if anyone will face charges or fines stemming from the blaze.
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