NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Another wildfire erupted in New Jersey Friday afternoon.
Now on day two, the Buzby Boggs Wildfire has taken over nearly 600 acres of Evesham Township, Burlington County, and is not yet contained. It's threatening four buildings and five houses.
Officials say they've been "back burning" throughout the night – setting fire to dry, combustible areas – in hopes to control the direction of the wildfire.
There are several hiking trails and a country club nearby. The area around Kettle Run Road is smokey and officials say a large part of the road will remain closed for the time being to keep firefighters safe from traffic. Residents have been urged to stay inside and away from the scene.
This is the second wildfire to break out in the state in the last 24 hours. Friday morning, a City Line fire sparked about a half hour east of Evesham in Browns Mills, Burlington County at Brendan T Byrne State Forest. It has consumed 850 acres and is 50% contained.
Officials are attributing these wildfires to the dryness in the air. They say even an even an extinguished match or a cigarette butt could lead to more fires.
Bill Donnelly with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service says this may lead to a rough summer.
"The long range forecast right now shows above normal temperatures as well as below normal precipitation," Donnelly said. "That could pose a problem for us going forward."
