MANCHESTER – A wildfire that consumed over 300 acres of forest on the border of Ocean and Burlington counties is now 100% contained, officials said.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said that the fire in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest burned about 315 acres of forest in the Pine Barrens. They confirmed at 10 a.m. that the fire was completely under control.
“For a brief period on Sunday afternoon seven structures were threatened by the fire. By 11 p.m. Sunday night it was determined that these structures were no longer threatened,” the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a statement.
Mayor Robert Hudak of Manchester Township thanked officials and first responders for keeping residents safe.
“I’ve been monitoring the fire out in Whiting closely since last night with Chief Dolan and our OEM support staff and have received confirmation that it is now 100% contained,” Hudak said. “Thank you, New Jersey Forest Fire Service and our Volunteer fire for your great work here in keeping us safe.”
Officials confirmed that there were no injuries reported. At this time, the Forest Fire Service staff will remain on scene to continue improving containment lines and monitor the area to ensure public safety. Smoke conditions may remain for several hours. The fire’s cause remains under investigation.
