New Jersey Battles Two Active Wildfires Amid Drought Conditions
- Crews are actively working to contain two wildfires in southern New Jersey.
- The shotgun wildfire has led to the evacuation of homes, but residents have now returned.
- Dry conditions are contributing to multiple wildfire outbreaks in New Jersey.
On November 7, 2024, fire crews were engaged in controlling two wildfires in southern New Jersey. The first blaze, known as the 'shotgun wildfire,' was located in Jackson Township, having expanded to less than half a square mile and was reported to be 40% contained. This fire had prompted evacuations of over a dozen homes the previous day, but all residents were allowed to return by Wednesday night. A second fire was detected in Evesham in Burlington County, although its size was not immediately determined. Authorities indicated that approximately 50 structures were threatened by this fire, and it was still unclear if evacuations would take place. The causes of both wildfires are currently under investigation. Dry weather conditions have been prevalent in New Jersey, contributing to the rise in wildfire incidents, with the state experiencing a lack of significant rainfall for over a month. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service implemented a backfire operation to limit the spread of the shotgun wildfire, showing proactive measures in fire management. As the dry spell continues, concerns remain over potential additional fires in the region.