Hackettstown Wildfire Burns 100 Acres; Ocean County Fire Under Investigation

Hackettstown Wildfire Response

• 🎯 A wildfire on Route 46 in Warren County, Hackettstown, rapidly spread to 100 acres and impacted several properties.
• 🚁 Crews utilized helicopters to scoop water from nearby fish hatchery ponds for firefighting efforts.
• 🚒 The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported a challenging period with over 700 fires this year, necessitating resource sharing to prevent firefighter burnout.
• ⚠️ Officials urge the public to keep drones grounded during wildfires to ensure clear airspace for emergency operations.

Ocean County Wildfire Investigation

• 🔥 A separate wildfire in Ocean County, which burned over 15,000 acres, is now 80% contained.
• 🚓 Police have charged a 17-year-old boy with aggravated arson in connection with this fire.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 A previous arrest involved a 19-year-old also charged with arson, with both suspects allegedly lighting a bonfire and leaving without extinguishing it.
• 🌲 Fire officials note that careless teens frequently build bonfires in the Pine Barrens, contributing to fires due to dry conditions and available fuel.