Day: June 20, 2022

Fire On Spruce Street In Lawrence Township Quickly Knocked Down

June 20, 2022

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Around 9:56 p.m. the Trenton Radio Room was receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls for a reported fire at the corner of Spruce Street and Brunswick Avenue and the Trenton Fire Department was dispatched to the fire. Within a couple of minutes, the address was updated to an address in the 800 Block of Spruce in Lawrence Township and all Lawrence Township Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene. First arriving firefighters found heavy fire on the first-floor rear of the building and went in service with a 1 3/4″ hose line. Firefighters called for an “All Hands” sending additional equipment to the scene. Firefighters reported that primary and secondary searches were negative. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire and remained on scene for overhaul. No additional information is available at this time.



NJ Forest Fire Service Reports 12,000 Acre Wildfire 70% Contained

June 20, 2022

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reports they are making substantial progress in containing a wildfire in Wharton State Forest – Washington, Shamong, Hammonton & Mullica Townships – which has reached 12,000 acres in size and is 70% contained.

Yesterday June 19, 2022 at just after 12:00 p.m. the fire was reported at 100 acres in size and the wildfire has grown to 12,000 acres in a short time.

ROAD CLOSURES
⚠️ Route 206 – from Chew Road to Atsion Road
⚠️ Route 542 – from Green Bank Road to Columbia Road

Batsto Village and all associated hiking and mountain bike trails are closed to visitors. The Atsion Recreation Area is also closed. The Mullica River Campground, Lower Forge Campground, Mullica River Trail and boat launches along the Mullica River are closed from the Atsion Recreation Area to Batsto Village. These closures will remain in effect until further notice. Pinelands Adventures has suspended kayak and canoe trips.

18 structures are threatened. Structure protection is in place and provided by local volunteer fire departments from Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean counties, we thank them for their assistance. There are no reported injuries.

Motorists traveling in the area should remain cautious of smoke and watch for firefighters and fire vehicles that may be working on nearby roadways. Smoke impacts will remain elevated into the evening hours as winds diminish, and partial cloud cover moves over the area.

Please remember, “No Drones in Fire Zones – If YOU fly, WE can’t!”



Local volunteer fire companies from Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean counties are protecting 18 structures from the fire. These photos are from the Basto area. Photos by: Michael Kamer



The smoke plume from the Mullica River Fire is visible on National Weather Service Radar.


National Weather Service GOES-16 satellite is designed to aid in fire detection. While wildfires, mostly of small size, are not uncommon in our region, a satellite signature like this is highly unusual around here according to the National Weather Service.


East Windsor Announces Independence Day Celebration On July 2, 2022, And Summer Programs At Etra Park

June 20, 2022

EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–  Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Council Members invite all area residents to join with Township officials on Saturday, July 2 for the East Windsor Township Independence Day Celebration, at Etra Lake Park.  The rain date is Saturday, July 9.

The Independence Day celebration free entertainment begins at 6 P.M. with Jerry Rife’s Rhythm Kings Dixieland Jazz Band, a 6-piece band from the Delaware Valley area, best known for its traditional jazz sound.  They will be followed at 7:45 P.M. by the Trenton Brass Quintet Plus One, a 6-piece ensemble from Central Jersey performing Americana and a variety of popular melodies.  The spectacular fireworks display will commence immediately following the musical presentations, at approximately 9:30 P.M.

Mayor Mironov stated that, “Our Nation’s Independence Day is a great occasion for our residents to join together in celebration and recognition of our blessings of liberty and freedom.” She urged everyone to, “bring your blankets and chairs, and use the barbecue grills for a night of free fun at beautiful Etra Lake Park.”  There also will be vendors present for purchase of refreshments.  This free event is made possible through the generous contributions of many area businesses.

Mayor Mironov announced that the East Windsor Township summer program of free events at Etra Lake Park will continue on Saturday, July 16 at 7 P.M. with “Family-Night-In-The-Park”, featuring a large screen viewing of the newly released Disney computer-animated fantasy comedy film “Encanto” about Colombian teenager Maribel Madrigal who faces the frustration of being the only member of her magical family without special powers.  The movie will be preceded by games, crafts, DJ Music and dancing.

On Sunday, July 24 at 6 P.M. “Wooden Ships Band”, a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tribute band reproduces the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young songbook and will take attendees back in time to the era of the 1970’s.  All time Crosby, Stills song favorites highlighting the show will include Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Teach Your Children, Helplessly Hoping, Woodstock and Déjà Vu.

On Sunday, August 7 at 6 P.M., “Gypsy”, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band will perform with Stevie Nicks vocals and visuals that capture Nicks’ stage presence. “Gypsy” performs the greatest hits from Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, including Stand Back, Rhiannon, Gold Dust Woman, Don’t Stop and so many more.

On Sunday, August 21 at 6 P.M., “B-Street Band” will perform, which is the top requested Bruce Springsteen tribute band on the circuit performing over 200 shows per year throughout the country.  “The Boss” himself has made an appearance to see the show, underscoring that the performance will be second-to-none, with favorite hits such as Cadillac Ranch, My Home Town, Glory Days, Hungry Heart and The River.

For information in the event of inclement weather for any of these events, call the East Windsor Information Hotline at (609) 443-4000 ext. 400 after 1 P.M. on the day of the event.  If there is inclement weather for the concerts (July 24, August 7, August 21), the program will be moved indoors to the East Windsor Regional School District Hightstown High School auditorium.

East Windsor Township thanks the following community businesses whose generous contributions have underwritten and made this summer entertainment possible:  Platinum Sponsors – Aurobindo, Novitium Pharma and QTS Data Centers;  Diamond Supporters – Hovione;  Gold Sponsors – The Woods at East Windsor, Comcast and One Mile Storage;  Silver Sponsors – Continental Auto Repair, LLC, Fordoz Pharma, IXP Corporation, McCaffrey’s Market, John Mayorek and Taco Bell;  Bronze Sponsors – Centrastate Healthcare Systems and Moe’s Southwest Grill.