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.

---