The Wharton State Forest wildfire, possibly the largest fire in New Jersey in 15 years, is 85% contained. But most of the recreation areas remain closed.
The fire was about 85% contained, meaning that “we’re confident that the fire is not going to escape,” said Greg McLaughlin, chief of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, who noted that crews have been working nonstop to battle back the blaze.
Two major roads, Routes and 542, which had been closed since the fire was first reported 10 a.m. Sunday, are now open. Some facilities should be open within 24 hours, but hiking and biking trails will likely remain closed longer until they can be inspected, officials said. However, there is still smoke in the area, and firefighters may be working on nearby roadways. Because the winds have been blowing west to east, smoke has been drifting toward the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s also popular with kayakers on the Mullica River, which bisects the park. It lies about 20 miles northwest of Atlantic City, and 40 miles southeast of Philadelphia. Bill Caruso, 48, a lawyer from Berlin, Camden County, said he was kayaking on the Mullica River when the fire started to rage. “We’re living in one the most highly populated areas in the free world, and here is this little gem with tree-covered water the color of tea, in a remote wilderness that’s just beautiful,” he said. “You see bald eagles, deer, bears, coyotes. It’s just gorgeous.”
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