Officials say the wildfire that consumed South Jersey is about 70 percent contained, and Mother Nature is owed a thank you.

While Wednesday's storm did cause some destruction across New Jersey, crews say the half-inch of rain helped them battle and contain the blaze. Officials say they hope to have the wildfire under control sometime Friday.

Fire officials say they will head into the forests and search for lingering hot spots, which could flare up given the right conditions.

Most of the residents forced to evacuate have been allowed to return home. The blaze destroyed more than two dozen homes. Approximately 500 residents are still in area shelters.

A state forester said the fire began on the Warren Grove Gunnery Range. The range is used for training and practice by the Air National Guard. A spokesman for the New Jersey Air National Guard said a flare dropped from one its F-16s may have started the blaze. However, the exact cause of the fire is under investigation.

The wildfire has scorched nearly 14,000 acres since it began Tuesday. Firefighters call the fire the largest blaze to hit the Garden State in 12 years.

Click here for more on residents who lost their homes.

For extended and Chopper 12 footage of the wildfire, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.

Related Information:News 12 New Jersey vClips I-Team Investigates: Warren Grove Gunnery Range Rain helps crews battle NJ wildfire Wildfire threatens homes in Ocean, Burlington counties