PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Fireworks sparked the wildfire that has consumed 4,000 acres of South Jersey’s Wharton State Forest, investigators said.
The Tea Time Hill wildfire is currently 75% contained. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said a “fireworks device” ignited the blaze late on the Fourth of July.
The flames were spotted from a fire tower near Apple Pie Hill in the Batona Campground, which was evacuated as a precaution.
Fireworks are not allowed in New Jersey state parks. Officials ask anyone with information to call the New Jersey State Park Police tip line at 844-PARK-TIP.