Ocean County wildfire near plane crash site spreads to over 800 acres; 90% contained  

Fire officials say there is no longer any threat to nearby structures.

Lanette Espy

Sep 4, 2023, 4:50 PM

Updated 368 days ago

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The New Jersey Forest Fire Service says they have made substantial progress in containing a wildfire burning in the area of Robert J. Miller Airpark in Lacey Township. They say the wildfire has grown to 831 acres and is 90% contained as of Monday evening. 
A small plane that crashed Saturday night in a wooded area near the airport may be responsible for the wildfire. Fire officials say there is no longer any threat to nearby structures.
Authorities confirmed to News 12 New Jersey that the plane crash was fatal. The Federal Aviation Administration says only a pilot was onboard at the time of the crash. The identity of the pilot has not been confirmed at this time.
The forest fire service says Dover Road is closed from Lacey Road to Pinewald Keswick Road, and Mule Road is closed from Lacey Road to Pinewald Keswick Road.