Large Brush Fire Reported in New Jersey

Large Brush Fire Reported in New Jersey

Emergency response teams from both sides of the river were called to the scene of the "very huge" brush fire that started in West Deptford Township on Saturday morning near an oil refinery on the Delaware River. This was the first significant brush fire of the season.

According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, engines and ground teams were responding to the fire, which started in the vicinity of 8th Street in West Deptford, close to the Sunoco Refinery property. Additionally, a tanker plane that could drop 600 gallons of water was sent to the location.

Numerous resources from across the county were also present to combat the fire and safeguard buildings, according to Gloucester County Emergency Management. Several fire boats from both sides of the Delaware River participated in the reaction.

At least 100 buildings were under danger, according to the Forest Fire Service, and voluntary evacuations were underway. From Hessian Avenue to the Delaware River, Red Bank Avenue was closed.

Officials advised locals to stay away from the area and heed emergency personnel's instructions as ash was falling over the area and smoke was visible in nearby counties.

The fire was visible to those watching the Phillies game from the Xfinity Arena parking lot, which is located across the street from Citizens Bank Park.

People with respiratory or health issues are advised to close windows or stay inside.

Forty percent of the fire was contained by mid-afternoon, according to the Forest Fire Service, which reported that the fire had grown to around fifty acres.

The National Weather Service issued a warning about an increased danger of wildfires on Saturday owing to low humidity and wind gusts of up to 25 mph. The peak wildfire season is about to begin in the state.