Wildfire in southern New Jersey grows to about 12,000 acres

By Michelle Watson and Susannah Cullinane, CNN

A wildfire in southern New Jersey grew to at least 12,000 acres in size on Monday and is 70% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Firefighters are battling the blaze at Wharton State Forest that is “fueled by dry and breezy conditions,” the service said on social media, and spread across four townships — Washington, Shamong, Hammonton and Mullica.

The current size of the fire represents a significant growth from Sunday night when it spanned 2,100 acres, the fire service said, but noted in an update Monday night that crews are “making substantial progress” with containment.

There have been no reported injuries, but 18 structures are threatened, according to the tweet.

“Structure protection is in place and provided by local volunteer fire departments from Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean counties,” fire officials said. “We thank them for their assistance.”

Two roads and several hiking trails in the forest have been closed because of the wildfire, the fire service said.

Weather conditions are forecast to ease on Monday, with a high of 80 and winds between 5-10 mph. Winds are expected to trail off by the evening hours and there is a slight chance for showers on Tuesday.

Wharton State Forest, located about 20 miles northwest of Atlantic City, is the largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State Park System, according to the state’s park service.

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CNN’s Robert Shackelford and Amy Simonson contributed to this report.