A wildfire burning in Hainesport Burlington County closed roads and threatened homes Monday into Tuesday.
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.
As of 9 p.m. Monday, the wildfire had spread to 40 acres and was only 20% contained, the forest fire service said.
The forest fire service said 20 structures were being threatened around 6:45 p.m. but by 9 p.m. no structures were threatened and there were no evacuations.
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"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. Officials said people should avoid the area.
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"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.
The cause of the fire was 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.
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