An abandoned campfire is the suspected cause of a wild brush fire that burned nearly 500 acres Saturday night in Burlington County.
The state Department of Environmental Protection said the abandoned campfire was in an area where some trails converge, about a half mile from the Country Lakes Development near Route 70 in Pemberton. The fire was first detected by an observation tower around 1pm.
Officials said Sunday morning the fire was fully contained. Firefighters and investigators remain on the scene.
Firefighters were concerned about 50 nearby homes, but the winds blew the fire in the opposite direction and no evacuations were ordered, according to officials.
One firefighter was treated for minor injuries, but no residents were hurt.
State police closed Route 70 at the Ocean-Burlington County line to the housing development for several hours.
Fire officials say the blaze probably won't be fully extinguished for a few days.
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There was another fire earlier in Waterford, Camden County around 11am that burned 25 acres. Officials said there were no evacuations or injuries.
No word on what caused that blaze.
