Uncontained fire in Wharton State Forest, just south of Ocean County NJ, triples in size
A Pine Barrens wildfire has more than tripled in size from earlier today, now having consumed some 450 acres of the Wharton State Forest in Tabernacle in Burlington County, just south of Ocean County, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.
The Tea Time Hill Wildfire is at Batona Campground and Apple Pie Hill in the state forest.
More: NJ wildfire season is back, here's how to protect your home.
Wharton State Forest Fire update
Crews have contained none of the fire so far, but are using a “backfire operation,” meaning they are burning areas ahead of the main body of fire to stop the flames from spreading, according to the forest fire service.
Two structures are considered threatened, a hunting club and a home.
Carranza Road is expected to be closed later today from the Carranza Memorial Historic Site to Speedwell Road at Friendship Field, the forest fire service said in a statement.
Batona Campground has been evacuated.
The Batona Trail is closed between Route 532 and Carranza Road. The Tulpehocken Trail is closed from Apple Pie Hill to Hawkins Bridge.
Winds are currently blowing from the southwest between 5 and 10 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly.
That wind will shift later today, coming more from the south, but the wind speed is expected to stay the same, said Meteorologist Paul Fitzsimmons.
On Saturday, the wind will be more variable, he said.
It was 93 degrees in Tabernacle on Friday afternoon.
Stay with app.com for more on this developing story.
Ken Serrano covers breaking news, crime and investigations. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or kserrano@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ Forest Fire Service battling a growing fire in Wharton State Forest
