Wildfire in Jackson, New Jersey, leads to several evacuations
Several buildings have been evacuated in Jackson Township after a wildfire broke out on Wednesday, Nov. 6, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.
Firefighters are working on a backfiring operation, getting ahead of the fire's path to slow its advance and help contain the blaze, NJFFS said on social media. The fire was reported around 12:30 p.m.
Known as the "Shotgun Wildfire," fire officials said in an update Thursday morning that 300 acres were burned and 40% of the fire was contained. NJFFS said Stump Tavern Road is closed from Route 571 to Route 528.
Thursday morning, video from Chopper 3 showed a clear line of fire and smoke winding its way through the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, located just south of Six Flags Great Adventure.
The wildfire is projected to be contained at approximately 300 acres, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly told CBS News Philadelphia, though he said the higher winds made it worse.
The blaze threatened 25 structures, and six homes were evacuated on the west side of Stump Tavern Road, officials said.
In a news conference Thursday, officials said crews were keeping up with the fire and focused on preventing it from spreading beyond the containment lines.
Fire engines, bulldozers and ground crews were on the scene.
The fire was reported on a "very high" fire danger day in the state, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Burn restrictions were in effect across New Jersey.
The region is under severe or extreme drought conditions following a record-breaking stretch without rain. Normally during the fall, leaves fall off the trees and onto somewhat moist or damp ground, officials said. But with the lack of precipitation since August, the dead leaves are very susceptible to any source of ignition.
Officials urged caution with anything that might spark a fire, whether it's a cigarette butt, malfunctioning yard equipment that could produce sparks (like a lawnmower), or a faulty catalytic converter. Dumping ash from a campfire could also spark a blaze.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
