WASHINGTON — A forest fire burned through Wharton State Forest on Sunday afternoon, fueled by dry and breezy conditions, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
At 7 p.m., the fire had spread through 600 wooded acres of Washington, Shamong, Hammonton and Mullica townships, according to firefighters.
Six structures at the Paradise Lakes Campground in Hammonton were threatened, according to the forest fire service.
About 10% of the fire was contained by 7 p.m., according to fire officials.
The smoke from the blaze could be seen as far east as Long Beach Island, according to the Twitter account @LBIweather.
Batsto Village in Washington Township, the Mullica River Campground in Hammonton, nearby trails and boat launches were closed.
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Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers Brick, Barnegat and Lacey townships as well as the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than a decade. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.
