40-acre "Big Rusty Wildfire" in Hainesport, New Jersey is 100% contained
Crews have fully contained a 40-acre wildfire dubbed the "Big Rusty Wildfire" in Hainesport, Burlington County, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Wednesday morning.
The fire burned in the area of Bancroft Lane and Cove Court and started before 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18.
On Wednesday morning, the NJFFS said the wildfire was 100% contained, and no structures were threatened or evacuated. Officials said 20 residential structures were threatened, but no evacuation orders were issued.
"The county is grateful for the efforts of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and the numerous area fire departments and firefighters who worked through the night to protect homes that were threatened by the fire, along with the Big Rusty troll statue," a county spokesperson said in a statement. "We are thankful no injuries were reported, and no property has been damaged. Like the rest of the region, we hope significant rain will arrive soon and help alleviate some of the extreme drought and fire danger. Until then, we urge residents throughout the county to be mindful of the fire risks and do your part to conserve water."
Big Rusty, a metal troll statue built by artist Thomas Dambo, is doing just fine, local officials say. Hainesport Committeewoman Anna Evans shared a photo of Big Rusty and brought the news that she's OK.
The wildfire closed Bancroft Lane, Cove Court and Wharton Place, but those roads have reopened.
The NJFFS responded to the wildfire with fire engines and ground crews. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The wildfire is burning as the NJFFS battles another blaze in Lakewood, Ocean County.
There have been multiple wildfires in New Jersey and Pennsylvania since the beginning of the month. Dry air, fire weather risks and pervasive drought have led to burn bans across the Philadelphia region. The goal of these bans is to prevent wildfires and brush fires, which are almost entirely human-caused.
You can track restrictions in New Jersey on the New Jersey Forest Fire Service's website.
