Fire still burns in N.J. state forest

ATSION, N.J., Oct. 22 (UPI) -- A wildfire fed by gusting winds burned Wednesday in Wharton State Forest in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, officials said.

The blaze, first sighted from a fire tower about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, had spread to more than 1,800 acres, The Star-Ledger of Newark reported. Assistant State Fire Warden Stephen Maurer said it was about 40 percent contained.

Maurer said not much change was expected overnight and the fire could continue to smolder for weeks unless the area gets some rain.

But most of Route 206, a major north-south route through the Pine Barrens was reopened late Wednesday. A small section was still closed.

A few homes and businesses in Hammonton had been evacuated Tuesday. Residents were allowed to return Wednesday because the flames appeared unlikely to spread.

Maurer said firefighters were able to get a better handle on the size of the fire late in the day.

"There was so much smoke, they didn't know how much had burned," he said.

The Pine Barrens, a large area of mixed pine and oak on sandy soil, depends on frequent fires to maintain ecological balance.