NJ forest fire sparked by fireworks is 75% contained

The wildfire burns in Wharton State Forest on July 5, 2024
The wildfire burns in Wharton State Forest on July 5, 2024. Photo credit Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images

TABERNACLE, N.J. (AP) — A forest fire that has burned 6.3 square miles in the New Jersey Pinelands was 75% contained as of midmorning Monday, officials said.

Its status remained basically unchanged since Sunday night.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the blaze in Wharton State Forest was not threatening any structures.

A fire crew is seen Wharton State Forest on July 5, 2024
A fire crew is seen Wharton State Forest on July 5, 2024. Photo credit Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images

It was burning in a section of the forest in Tabernacle Township near the Batona Campground and Apple Pie Hill.

On Sunday, the service said the blaze had been touched off by the use of fireworks in the forest but did not specify how it had reached that determination.

A scorched area of Wharton State Forest is seen on July 5, 2024
A scorched area of Wharton State Forest is seen on July 5, 2024. Photo credit Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images

The fire was reported by a spotter from a nearby fire observation tower shortly after 9 a.m. Friday.

Crews were using backfire operations to fight the fire, burning areas ahead of the main fire in a bid to stop the flames from spreading. Several roads and trails were closed.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images