Smoke billows from the Bethany Run wildfire in Evesham and Voorhees townships on Nov. 7. The blaze burned 360 acres but was 75% contained by the next day.
Residents across South Jersey are enduring low and dangerous air quality and thick smoke as multiple large wildfires burn, fueled by a drought that has caused unusually dry conditions.
Emergency responders – including area fire departments and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) – have been trying to manage the fires, which have impacted several communities in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester and other counties.
As of Nov. 7, several large blazes were actively burning, including the Bethany Run wildfire along the border of Evesham and Voorhees townships that has scorched 360 acres and threatened 104 structures. Crews have it 75% contained.
Other recent and significant fires have occurred in Cumberland County, Glassboro, Jackson Township and Waterford, which sustained a large-scale brush fire that was fought by Berlin Fire Company No. 1 and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Smoke from all the area fires – driven by prevailing wind conditions – has spread enough to hamper visibility and air quality. The Berlin company has provided structural protection for homes in Evesham in collaboration with other local and state agencies. The scent of smoke is still detectable in areas far from the fire zones.
“Please be informed that fire trucks from adjacent municipalities may respond to emergencies in our area throughout the day,” the fire company said in a statement. “This is due to mutual-aid agreements with departments from surrounding communities and counties providing support while local crews combat the ongoing brush fires.”
With multiple fires burning across the state, local firefighters have received assistance through those mutual-aid agreements, with neighboring towns and counties sending their trucks and firefighters.
The wildfires ravaging South Jersey are occurring against the backdrop of an ongoing drought that has affected the region for several months and led to significantly drier conditions than normal. A record lack of sufficient rainfall in has caused vegetation to dry out, making it more susceptible to ignition and rapid fire spread.
Some of the fires that are burning through dry brush and forests have been difficult to control. In some cases, they are burning into the duff layer of soil – the layer of decaying organic matter that sits under the forest floor – making them harder to extinguish and increasing the risk of flare-ups. And smoke is expected to remain in the area until rain arrives to dampen the flames.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service continues to monitor the fires and provide updates. The public has been advised to limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed and avoid any exposure to smoke as much as possible. For those who may be sensitive to smoke, staying indoors is strongly recommended.
“Please be aware that smoke and its scent will remain noticeable for several hours due to prevailing wind conditions,” the fire service warned. “If you observe any smoke or flames, please call 911 immediately or the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection at (877) WARN-DEP (927-6337).”
While the Bethany Run Wildfire has been mostly contained, those in Glassboro, Jackson and Woodland townships are still active and under control in varying stages.
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