Fisher's Pit fire deemed accidental after campfire was not properly extinguished

Jenna Calderón and Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press
Updated ·2 min read

TOMS RIVER - The wildfire that's been burning since Monday afternoon has been deemed accidental after investigators determined the cause was a campfire that was not properly extinguished, authorities said.

The fire in the area of Fisher's Pit in Berkeley Township has now burned approximately 200 acres, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. It was 100% contained as of Wednesday evening.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that the cause of the fire is accidental by an unknown person or persons improperly extinguishing a campfire, Billhimer said.

“The Interagency Wildfire Investigation Task Force has determined the cause of the fire to be an abandoned illegal campfire on Ocean County property,” the forest fire service said in a statement.

Fire crews continued to secure and reinforce containment lines by mopping up hot spots alongside the fire’s perimeter, according to the fire service.

“Light smoke continues to impact the neighboring communities along the fire’s perimeter this afternoon,” the agency said.

The flames were first spotted from Cedar Bridge Fire Tower at 4:44 p.m. on Monday, according to the fire service. When crews responded, the fire was burning inside the area known as Fisher’s Pit where initial attack efforts were initially unsuccessful due to what was described as erratic fire behavior.

A wildfire burning in Berkeley Township can be seen from an observation deck at Jake’s Branch County Park. A fire in the Pinelands, which has been named the “Fisher's Pit Wildfire” by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, continues to burn. As of late morning there have been no road closures or threats to any structures in the area. Beachwood, NJ Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Firefighters were expected to remain on scene to continue to monitor control lines and address areas of concern until significant rainfall in the region eliminated the possibility of a flare-up, according to the service.

“The public is advised that smoke may be visible for an extended period while firefighters work to mop-up the wildfire,” the agency said.

No further updates were expected from the fire service.

Contact Asbury Park Press reporters Jenna Calderón at jcalderon@gannettnj.com or Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ brush fire in Berkeley deemed accidental, 100% contained Wednesday