Hainesport, N.J. wildfire 50% contained, officials say; ‘Big Rusty’ giant troll artwork spared from fire

This story originally appeared on 6abc.

Crews are working to contain a 40-acre wildfire in Hainesport, Burlington County, that New Jersey Fire Service officials have dubbed the “Big Rusty Wildfire.”

As of 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the fire was 50% contained.

Chopper 6 flew over “Big Rusty,” a giant troll artwork, which appears to have been spared from the fire.

Neighbors were drawn out of their homes. The glow and warmth of flames were just mere steps away.

“When all of this started I was very anxious and very upset because there’s nothing you can do,” said Jennifer Maffie, Hainesport.

Bancroft Lane, Cove Court, and Wharton Place were closed but have all since been reopened.

All across New Jersey, fire danger is considered very high, according to New Jersey DEP.

This Burlington County fire is just the latest as thousands of acres have burned across the region over the last several weeks.

Former Hainesport Mayor Bruce MacLachlan says he has never seen it this bad.

“You hear about fire danger everywhere but you never think it’s gonna come to your neighborhood or your town,” he said.

The drought the region is experiencing has been fueling these fires. Much-needed rainfall is expected to arrive Wednesday into very early Thursday.