Multiple roads are closed, the Timberline Campground has been evacuated, and six homes are threatened
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A view of what the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has dubbed the Allen Road Wildfire in Bass River State Forest on Thursday.New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
By Frank Kummer, Philadelphia Inquirer
A fire that raced through Bass River State Forest in New Jersey’s Pinelands region had burned 5,000 acres as of Thursday evening, making it the largest wildfire of the year so far.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said it is working to contain the fire burning in the area of Allen Road in Ocean County. As of 6 p.m. Thursday, firefighters had contained 50% of the blaze, which began Wednesday night.
Relaed news:
Fast-moving N.J. wildfire expands to 3,100 acres
Wildfire season is starting earlierin New Jersey
Multiple roads are closed and the Timberline Campground has been evacuated. Local fire companies are also responding.
The Batona Trail, a 53-mile path through the Pine Barrens, is closed as it crosses through Bass River State Forest.
Although the risk of fire is listed as moderate Thursday, it is prime wildfire season and May was unusually dry. Officials said a backfiring operation, or a fire set intentionally along the fire line, helped in the containment.
It marks the second major wildfire this year.
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