Vineland Forest Fire Grows to 1,300 Acres

VINELAND, N.J. – A forest fire in the Peaslee Wildlife Management Area has expanded to 1,300 acres, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. As of Monday, firefighters have contained roughly 75% of the blaze, which began on Friday afternoon. The fire was first detected at 12:24 p.m. Friday by the Belleplain fire tower, prompting a swift response from firefighting teams. Union and Bennetts Mill roads, which were initially closed, were reopened by Saturday afternoon. Although the fire has burned a significant area, no structures have been threatened, and no evacuations have occurred. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Forest Fire Service has brought in a range of resources to combat the blaze, including fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews, a helicopter capable of dropping 300 gallons of water, and an air tanker that can drop 600 gallons. Crews continue to work on extinguishing the remaining hot spots and fully containing the fire.