Wildfire at major military gunnery range in Burlington and Ocean counties burns over 1,100 acres

New Jersey Forest Fire Service said crews burned brush ahead of the blaze to prevent its spread.

Lanette Espy

Jul 17, 2024, 10:07 AM

Updated 50 days ago

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A fast-moving forest fire broke out Tuesday afternoon at a major military gunnery range in Bass River Township in Burlington County.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded around 2:15 p.m. to the Warren Grove Air to Ground Range where weapons testing had been scheduled for late Tuesday morning. It wasn't immediately clear if the testing had taken place and, if it did, played a role in the fire.
The blaze had burned roughly 1,167 acres by Wednesday morning and 80% was contained, according to the forest fire service. The New Jersey Air National Guard helped to contain the fire.
The area of the fire received approximately 0.5 inches of rain overnight that helped in containment efforts, the Forest Fire Service said. They say crews remain on the scene to help improve containment lines while monitoring and addressing any hotspots along the fire perimeter.
The forest fire service also said no buildings were threatened and there were no evacuations. No roads were closed.
No injuries were reported.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report