NJ Forest Fire Service: Flatiron wildfire in Medford Township 100% contained
A number of departments were on standby throughout Burlington and Camden counties on Saturday as a portion of the Pine Barrens has always been a concern for wildfires.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Saturday night that a major wildfire that threatened homes in Burlington County was 100% contained.
There were no reported injuries.
Crews battled flames and heavy smoke in Medford Township all day Saturday across a swath of 210 acres.
First responders arrived at Elderberry Drive early in the morning when the fire had consumed nearly 20 acres.
News 12 New Jersey’s Ali Reid, who grew up in the area, said pool covers and a shed were destroyed as the fire came dangerously close to homes.
Beth Macalerney, a neighbor along the roadway, said she was woken up by fire crews.
“It’s just a line of fire across the whole back of the property,” she said. “You could hear the crackling. It was like being front seat at a bonfire. It was intense.”
By noon, 20% had been contained. Responding departments set a containment area in place of about 220 acres. They said protecting homes and residents was the No. 1 priority.
“Our indirect attack was working in the backyards,” said Tom Gerber, the incident commander. “We had interactions with residents at those homes, explained what was going on and how they could help because they were protected in place in their homes.”
Crews quickly accessed backyards to conduct burnout operations to much success. A number of departments were on standby throughout Burlington and Camden counties as a portion of the Pine Barrens has always been a concern for wildfires.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service announced Saturday that the wildfire that was burning in Bass River State Forest, also in Burlington County, had been 100% contained.
