A wildfire in Wharton State Forest has consumed more than 1,200 acres of land and forced the evacuation of the Batona Campground.
Officials with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service say that the fire near Apple Pie Hill was about 40% contained as of 8 p.m. Friday.
No injuries have been reported, but the fire is threatening a hunting club in the area, as well as at least one home. The Batona Campground was evacuated as a precaution, but officials say that no homes were being evacuated.
Local Wharton State Forest roads are closed. Officials say that Carranza Road is closed from the Carranza Memorial to Speedwell Road at Friendship Field.
Officials said that crews conducted a “backfiring operation to help aid in the containment of the fire. Overnight crews will continue to monitor improve and improve control lines.”