Editor's Note (Nov. 20, 2024, 10:12 a.m.): The New Jersey Forest Fire Service says the Big Rusty Wildfire is Hainesport, Burlington County, has been 100% contained.
"Forest Fire Service crews will remain on scene for the next several days to continue to improve containment lines and address areas of concern until significant precipitation occurs to ensure public safety," the forest fire service said. "Smoke is expected to remain present until significant rain falls over the fire area."
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A wildfire burning in Hainesport Burlington County temporarily closed roads and threatened homes Monday into Tuesday as crews worked to keep the blaze contained.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service first responded to the so-called Big Rusty Wildfire in the area of Bancroft Lane and Cove Court in Hainesport, Burlington County, on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.
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As of 9 p.m. Monday, the wildfire had spread to 40 acres and was only 20% contained, the forest fire service said. By Tuesday afternoon at 6:30 p.m., the fire was 75% contained and had spread no further.
The forest fire service said 20 structures were being threatened around 6:45 p.m. Monday but by 9 p.m. no structures were threatened and there were no evacuations.
"Some of the challenges is hard access," NJ Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly said. "This area has ups and downs and sandpits. It’s behind homes which is always a challenge getting equipment in there and just obstacles you’re not familiar with running around people yards."
Bancroft Lane, Cove Court and Wharton Place were all closed in the area Monday night, but had reopened by Tuesday morning.
"You start collecting your valuables and develop a real quick plan of evacuation," Monte White, a neighbor said as fire trucks were parked in the driveways of the homes most at risk Monday night.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
"This fire is going to continue to smolder," Chief Donnelly said Monday night. "Fortunately, it looks like we have rain in the forecast coming Wednesday night into Thursday. That’s what it’s going to take to out this fire out."
As of Tuesday morning, some hot spots reignited in the wooded area. By midday white smoke continued to rise from parts of the woods.
The fire was named for Thomas Dambo's large "Big Rusty" sculpture that is built of scrapped materials and sits nearby.
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