Fire burning in Wharton State Forest

A fire that began yesterday afternoon in Wharton State Forest spread through 300 to 500 wooded acres across Camden, Burlington and Atlantic Counties, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported yesterday evening.

"It has the potential to go up to maybe 1,000" acres, said Stephen Maurer, assistant state fire warden. "Fortunately it's in a very uninhabited section of the Wharton State Forest."

Route 206 from the Atsion Recreation Area to Route 536 was closed for the night, and a business and adjoining residence along Route 206 have been evacuated, Maurer said.

He said the cause had yet to be determined. No injuries or structural damage were reported.

- Matt Katz