Major wildfire continues burning at Joint Base
A wildfire in Wharton State Forest in April 2016. (Photo: John H. Rieth/NJFFS)
A wildfire that sparked at a Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst training range yesterday afternoon continues to burn.
According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the blaze, classified as a major wildfire, is near the base’s properly line in the Browns Mills section of Pemberton.
The fire was initially reported at 30 to 40 acres yesterday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of 20 nearby homes. Firefighters have been using helicopters to drop water on the wildfire.
As of this morning, the wildfire is 25 percent contained at 215 acres, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
It’s not currently known how the fire sparked. No structural damage or injuries have been reported.
Smoke has been drifting over portions of Ocean and Monmouth counties since last night.
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