Major Forest Fire, Southern New Jersey

[JawsofLife252]

Shamong NJ: A fire was spotted by a fire tower in Medford around 3:30 PM. NJ State Forestry Service was activated for a large fire in the pine forest. Command reported 800 acres burning as of Tuesday evening with the fire 20% contained. The fire was expected to grow to 1000 acres by Wednesday. Numerous fire departments from Burlington, Camden, Atlantic County were placed in to service.

No civilian injuries were reported however 1 firefighter is being treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and 1 fire police officer refused medical attention after being struck by the mirror of a truck.

I was given a police escort as press and then taken into the hot zone in an emergency vehicle. This is about all I could get because the fire had died down. I'm going to go back today as the fire is expected to burn for the next few days.

1. Long exposure off the roof of my car.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2963699076_6e52d84279_o.jpg

2.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2963699106_854a57cd4c_o.jpg

3.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2963699124_39724eeb7d_o.jpg

4.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2963699134_3bfaa377eb_o.jpg

5.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2963699156_aac72fc271_o.jpg

6.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2962855747_62c366b48f_o.jpg

7.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2963699196_984fecb190_o.jpg

8.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/2963699252_d5077c1960_o.jpg


All shot with 30D 24-70L and 70-200L. My 40D is still in Pro Services...

[JawsofLife252]

As of last report, the fire has spread to 1800 acres.

[eddarr]

I didn't even realize that you have forest fires on the east coast. I would have thought there was to much moisture in everything to burn well.

[canonloader]

Shouldn't they be out there trying to put it out instead of hanging around the Roach Coach? :lol:

[fireguy_ed]

jaws, nice shots, be careful!

loader, when the fire burns for days, you need food and drink for the folks on the line. Looks like most of the guys there are the food staff.

Eddarr;
It's been very dry here, and this fire is in the heart of the "Pine Barrens". There was another large forest fire south of this one that they got a hold of after about 5 hours and a great deal of resources.

No, we don't have the enormous fires they have out west, but we can get several hundred acres going in this weather way too easy right now. The terrain is sandy in places and swampy in others, so getting to it can be quite a challenge.

Take care, be safe!

[JawsofLife252]

Yeah I didn't go back, but the fire is still burning. Burlington County was inundated with calls about smoke in the area tonight because the cold weather is keeping the smoke on the ground. Rt. 206 was just closed down again about an hour ago due to zero visibility.

Ed where are you from?

[fireguy_ed]

Williamstown area, more in PM

[fireplug]

Now theres a woods fire! :P

Nice photos, saw this on the news.

[Al Hung]

Jersey Devil's got nowhere to hide now!

[Richtherookie]

Nice shots. One question....picture #6, is that a food truck?????? Man i am soooooooooo jealous!

Is that the forest that Pooh lived in?

[JuiceBox]

I'm at school in Pomona right now, and I smelled smoke for a couple of days. Do either of you remember the fire early this year? My girlfriend was actually trapped in that for a few hours when she took her dog for a walk. I don't know how she didn't realize what was going on in Wharton, but she went in and had a hell of a time getting out. *facepalm*