Wharton State Forest wildfire contained after spreading to 2,300 acres
Two campgrounds were evacuated after the so-called California Branch Wildfire within Wharton State Forest grew to over 2,300 acres.
A wildfire inside Wharton State Forest in Camden County that had spread to 2,300 acres by Sunday evening has been contained, according to fire officials.
The so-called California Branch Wildfire in the area of Raritan Avenue and Old Atison Road was 100% contained as of 8:30 a.m. Monday, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a post on Facebook
The Atsion Family and Goshen Pond campgrounds were evacuated “out of an abundance of caution,” but are now reopened. Eighteen structures were in close proximity to the fire, but none needed to be evacuated.
Officials said crews will remain on scene over the next few days “to continue to improve containment lines and address areas of concern” until there’s enough rainfall to ensure public safety.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
Winds in the Philadelphia area were reported gusting to 35 mph and more Saturday afternoon and evening, the 27th day this year winds of such speeds have been measured at Philadelphia International Airport.
Earlier this month, the 191-acre Scotland Run Fire tore through Franklin Township, Gloucester County, at one point threatening about 60 buildings, including homes and an elementary school, all of which were ultimately spared.
But drought conditions from last year persisting into spring — which is peak wildfire season and growing season for lawns and gardens — have prompted state and environmental officials to call on residents to conserve water.
Staff writer Anthony R. Wood contributed to this article.