New Jersey Wildfire Contained After Rapid Spread, Officials Warn of Ongoing Fire
Fire crews in New Jersey have successfully brought a fast-moving brush fire under full control after it burned across nearly 160 acres in Gloucester County. The wildfire, which started on Saturday in West Deptford Township, was fully contained by the evening, according to state fire officials.
Authorities confirmed that the fire reached 100% containment by around 6 p.m., marking a significant milestone after hours of intense firefighting efforts. Although the immediate threat has been controlled, crews remained at the scene to strengthen containment lines and monitor any remaining hot spots to prevent the fire from reigniting.
The blaze initially broke out near Red Bank Avenue and Hessian Avenue, close to an oil refinery along the Delaware River. Due to its location and dry conditions, the fire spread quickly, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Firefighters deployed both ground units and aerial support, including a tanker aircraft capable of dropping hundreds of gallons of water to slow the flames.
At the height of the incident, officials warned that more than 100 nearby structures were at risk. As a precaution, voluntary evacuations were put in place for residents in surrounding areas. Emergency teams also worked to protect critical infrastructure, including utility poles threatened by the fire.
Authorities temporarily closed Red Bank Avenue during firefighting operations, but the road has since reopened after conditions improved. Despite containment, smoke is still expected to linger in the area until substantial rainfall helps fully clear the burn zone.
The fire drew attention beyond the immediate area, with smoke and ash spreading into neighboring counties. Even people across the Delaware River reported seeing the smoke, including spectators attending a baseball game nearby. Officials advised residents, especially those with respiratory issues, to remain indoors and limit exposure to smoke.
Emergency response efforts involved multiple agencies, including local fire departments, county emergency management teams, and marine units operating fire boats from both sides of the Delaware River. Their coordinated response played a critical role in preventing further damage and containing the blaze before it could escalate further.
This incident comes at a time when wildfire risks are rising across the region. Weather conditions, including low humidity and wind gusts reaching up to 25 miles per hour, have created an environment highly favorable for fires to start and spread quickly. Officials have emphasized that the state is entering its peak wildfire season, urging residents to remain cautious.
While the immediate danger from this fire has passed, authorities continue to stress that elevated wildfire risk remains in place. Residents are encouraged to follow safety guidelines, avoid activities that could spark fires, and stay alert as dry and windy conditions persist.
The situation highlights the importance of rapid emergency response and public awareness during wildfire season. Officials will continue monitoring conditions closely in the coming days to ensure community safety.
Sources:
New Jersey Forest Fire Service
Gloucester County Emergency Management
National Weather Service
