Officials: Massive wildfire in Bass River State Forest now 80% contained

No injuries have been reported, and officials say that no buildings are threatened.

Matt Trapani and Lanette Espy

Jun 2, 2023, 10:26 AM

Updated 334 days ago

Share:

Firefighters are making progress on a massive wildfire that broke out in Bass River State Forest earlier this week, according to the New Jersey Forst Fire Service.
Officials say that the fire is now 80% contained and has consumed 5,000 acres of land. Allen and Oswego roads remain closed, along with the Batona Trail.
No injuries have been reported, and officials say that no buildings are threatened.
The fire began Wednesday afternoon in the area of Allen Road. The Timberline Campground was evacuated with about 40 people in addition to six other homes.
Parts of the Garden State Parkway were closed for a time on Friday due to the smoky conditions.
Bass River Township Mayor Deborah Buzby-Cope says she and 1,500 others who live in the area are thankful for the service of the firefighters.
“We can't thank them enough for coming and helping us out here. I know it's what they do, and they are really good at it…They just deserve all the credit keeping this within the box,” she said.
Fire officials say the dry conditions made battling the flames much harder. People with respiratory issues are advised to keep their windows closed and limit their time outside until the smoke conditions clear.
Trail and road closures inside Bass River State Forest are likely to remain throughout the weekend as firefighters continue to hope for a soaking rainfall.


More from News 12
2:13
Police: Explosion, fire at Old Bridge business kills 73-year-old woman, severely injures 4 others

Police: Explosion, fire at Old Bridge business kills 73-year-old woman, severely injures 4 others

2:07
Summer feeling today in New Jersey with temps in the mid-80s; cooler weather arrives Friday

Summer feeling today in New Jersey with temps in the mid-80s; cooler weather arrives Friday

0:29
Rutgers New Brunswick postpones some final exams due to ‘anticipated escalation of protest activities’

Rutgers New Brunswick postpones some final exams due to ‘anticipated escalation of protest activities’

1:53
News 12 beats the heat today at Long Branch beach

News 12 beats the heat today at Long Branch beach

0:35
Prosecutors: NJ couple pleads guilty to starting illegal marijuana service and employing their son

Prosecutors: NJ couple pleads guilty to starting illegal marijuana service and employing their son

0:24
Should former inmates be allowed to serve on juries in New Jersey? Gov. Murphy says yes

Should former inmates be allowed to serve on juries in New Jersey? Gov. Murphy says yes

0:29
Unruly passenger ordered to pay over $20,000 for interfering with flight from London to Newark

Unruly passenger ordered to pay over $20,000 for interfering with flight from London to Newark

0:20
Authorities: 2 women, 1 man stabbed in altercation at Newark McDonald's

Authorities: 2 women, 1 man stabbed in altercation at Newark McDonald's

0:19
FBI offering $5,000 reward for info on Paterson bank robbery suspect

FBI offering $5,000 reward for info on Paterson bank robbery suspect

0:24
Cape May County lifeguards file lawsuit against Avalon to get pension

Cape May County lifeguards file lawsuit against Avalon to get pension

0:47
Learn to make candles at Urban Glo in Union

Learn to make candles at Urban Glo in Union

10:00
Fire officials: Large tractor-trailer fire closes I-95 between exits 15 and 14

Fire officials: Large tractor-trailer fire closes I-95 between exits 15 and 14

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

1:39
Teacher testifies on second day of trial of father accused of fatally abusing son

Teacher testifies on second day of trial of father accused of fatally abusing son

2:21
Lacey Township officials address residents’ concerns about water quality issues

Lacey Township officials address residents’ concerns about water quality issues

0:30
Police: Boys bring loaded gun to indoor trampoline park, firearm accidentally discharged

Police: Boys bring loaded gun to indoor trampoline park, firearm accidentally discharged

0:18
Officials: 14 injured when NJ Transit bus collides with Jeep in Jersey City

Officials: 14 injured when NJ Transit bus collides with Jeep in Jersey City

0:43
Jersey Proud: Girl Scouts deliver cookies to 2 NJ veterans hospitals

Jersey Proud: Girl Scouts deliver cookies to 2 NJ veterans hospitals

0:39
Mother who accused Marlboro teacher of molesting daughter files lawsuit

Mother who accused Marlboro teacher of molesting daughter files lawsuit

1:01
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show to return to the Hudson River

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show to return to the Hudson River