South Jersey wildfire fully contained, 160 acres burned

Fire crews battle massive wildfire in Wharton State Forest

FOX 29's Shaynah Ferreira is in Atlantic County where a wildfire burned through Wharton State Forest.

Massive wildfire burning in South Jersey, thick smoke pours into sky as crews respond

A large and fast-moving wildfire is burning in Gloucester County, with thick plumes of dark smoke rising into the sky and flames stretching across a wide area.

The Brief

•  A massive wildfire broke out in Gloucester County, New Jersey, on Saturday.Firefighters were able to contain the fire in about six hours.The fire burned approximately 160 acres. 
• A massive wildfire broke out in Gloucester County, New Jersey, on Saturday.
• Firefighters were able to contain the fire in about six hours.
• The fire burned approximately 160 acres. 

GLOUCESTER, N.J. - Firefighters in South Jersey have fully contained a wildfire that broke out in Gloucester County on Saturday.

South Jersey wildfire

What we know:

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service first reported the fire around noon Saturday in the area of 8th Street in Deptford Township. 

In just an hour, the flames had burned approximately 50 areas. At the fire's peak, officials said the flames were threatening about 100 buildings.

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A wildfire that broke out in West Deptford, New Jersey, on April 11, 2026. (Credit: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection)

The fire was fully contained around 6 p.m. Saturday, after burning approximately 160 acres, according to the Forest Fire Service.

What we don't know:

The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.

What's next:

Crews will stay at the scene for the next few hours, bolstering containment lines and addressing other problem areas. 

Officials said to expect smoke in the area until "significant rain" falls in the area.

The Source: This article was written using information from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.