Smoke from the Mines Sprung Fire has created “hazardous” air quality conditions throughout Philadelphia region
By Robert Moran and Diane Mastrull, Philadelphia Inquirer
A wildfire in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County( NJ) had grown to 4,200 acres and triggered unsafe air conditions in the Philadelphia area.
No injuries or structural damage have been reported, but the fire has created “hazardous” air quality conditions throughout the Philadelphia region, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow. People are advised to stay indoors, especially those with respiratory challenges.
The Mines Spung Fire, as state officials have named it, was first spotted Friday morning by a private aircraft flying over the area in Shamong Township, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported. As of the latest report at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, it was 40% contained.
The fire is in the area of the Carranza Memorial, and the fire service reported that the Phillip M. Costello Preparatory Academy, an alternative residential school for teen boys and young men, and the Lower Forge Campground were evacuated and five structures remained threatened.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates
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