Last updated on June 16, 12:50 p.m.
NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — A wildfire burning through the Wharton State Forest in Shamong Township has spread to 5,750 acres.
The Mines Spung Wildfire was first reported by a private aircraft flying over Wharton State Forest around 11 a.m. Friday. As of 1:40 p.m. Sunday, it is 80% contained.
Five structures are still threatened. Phillip M. Costello Preparatory Academy and Lower Forge Campground were evacuated Friday, but the order has since been lifted.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection declared a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day Saturday morning, as the fire created dangerous air levels in Wilmington, Delaware, and parts of Delaware, Chester, Bucks and Montgomery counties. Young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems were advised to avoid going outside. Overnight rain helped bring air quality levels back to normal on Sunday.
Batona Trail is closed, as well as the following roads, as fire crews work to contain the flames:
• Tuckerton Road from Carranza Road to Washington Turnpike
• Carranza Road from Forked Neck Road to Tuckerton Road
• Bulldozer Road
• Hampton Road
A cause of the fire is not yet known. People are urged to avoid the area.