Pinelands wildfire expands to 5,750 acres; campground and trail closures remain in effect.
A significant fire event within Wharton State Forest, located in New Jersey’s Pinelands, has drawn attention as state authorities work to contain its spread. The fire, which has been designated the Mines Spung Fire, began on Friday and has affected approximately 5,750 acres of land. As of Monday, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that the fire was approximately 80% contained, with mop-up operations actively in progress.
The initial sighting of the fire occurred early Friday morning, detected by a private aircraft monitoring the region in Shamong Township. Following this alarming discovery, the fire’s expansion resulted in the closure of multiple roads and the evacuation of at least one campground in the vicinity to ensure the safety of visitors and residents.
Despite the precipitation received over the weekend, officials indicated that the rain was insufficient to extinguish the remaining flames entirely. As containment efforts continued, Tuckerton Road was confirmed closed from Carranza Road to Washington Turnpike, while Carranza Road was shut down from Forked Neck Road to Tuckerton Road. In addition to these primary routes, several other roads remain closed due to the ongoing fire hazard.
For those who frequent the area for outdoor recreation, the situation has impacted popular hiking trails as well. Specifically, the Batona Trail is closed between Carranza and Quaker Bridge Roads, and the Lower Forge Campground has also been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the fire, and the cause remains under investigation. The fire originated off Mines Spung Road, near the Emilio Carranza Memorial, a well-known gathering place for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
In response to the fire and its possible impacts, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has postponed the opening event for the Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower, which was originally scheduled for last Saturday. Although the DEP cited inclement weather as the reason for the postponement, the site remains significant for hikers who frequently access it via trails originating near the Carranza Memorial. The fire tower will now have its opening event on Saturday, June 21, allowing visitors to experience the scenic views once again once safety measures are fully restored.
This ongoing situation underscores the need for vigilance concerning wildfire risks and the importance of community safety in natural spaces. Updates regarding the containment efforts and the status of affected areas will continue to be closely monitored.
