Mullica River Fire in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest Could Become State’s Largest in 15 Years

The Mullica River fire that started Sunday morning in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest could become the state’s largest in the past 15 years. Chief Gregory McLaughlin of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said a direct attack was not effective because it was in a very remote area with difficult access, so firefighters were reluctant to implement an indirect attack. They perform fire operations in front of the fire to remove the fuel, and fight fire with fire so that the fire spreads to the freshly burned areas, it will stop.

There are 18 structures threatened, including several campsites as well as blueberry and blueberry farms. The fire is burning in four townships, Washington, Shamong, Hammonton and Mullica. It’s four miles northeast of Hammonton, east of Highway 206.

Firefighters said Monday at 3:45 p.m., it burned about 11,000 acres.

Shawn LaTourette, NJ Environment Commissioner, said the Mullica River fire was not caused by lightning, it was caused by humans.

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Writer: Bill Gabbert

After working full-time in wildfire for 33 years, he continues to learn, striving to be a Student of Fire. See all posts by Bill Gabbert