Fire Burns Acres of NJ Forest

Fire officials expect a forest fire that broke out Monday morning will be contained

Firefighters were battling a blaze covering 170 acres of forest near Shamong Township, N.J., Monday afternoon.

The fire broke out before11 a.m. just north of Hammonton in Burlington County, and quickly spread to about 40 acres before Monday afternoon.

Fire officials were trying to burn out the surrounding area, so as to contain the blaze to about 170 acres, according to the forest service.

They hoped the fire would be under control sometime overnight.

There were no roads closed, no homes affected and no injuries, officials said.

Firefighters used three bulldozers, seven brush trucks and two helicopters for water trucks.

An exact cause for the blaze wasn't clear but a lightening strike was being considered, according to authorities.


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