Berkeley Twp wildfire rages in NJ Pinelands

A massive wildfire has been raging through the New Jersey Pinelands since Monday evening, engulfing about 189 acres in Berkeley Township. The fire, which is 50% contained as of Tuesday afternoon, has caused smoke to spread to nearby neighborhoods along Northern Boulevard and Hickory Lane. Fortunately, no buildings have been damaged, as the blaze remains concentrated in the uninhabited area of Fishers Pit in Ocean County.

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The fire was first noticed by crews at 4:44 p.m. on Monday, and its spread was initially difficult to control due to erratic fire behavior. By Tuesday morning, the containment level had reached 20%, though the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

According to the Associated Press, a team of 31 firefighters, along with 11 engines and a bulldozer, have been tirelessly battling the blaze since its ignition. Despite its proximity to Exit 77 on the Garden State Parkway, no roads have been closed due to the fire.

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