Watch: Criminal Activity May Have Sparked Jackson, New Jersey’s Large “Shotgun” Fire

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JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A wildfire burning through the New Jersey Pinelands east of Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area has prompted evacuations and threatened multiple structures as firefighters work to contain the blaze, officials said.

It’s being called the shotgun fire, because of its cause, but more on that in a minute.

The fire, which began in the vicinity of Stump Tavern Road in Jackson Township, has spread across 175 acres and was 20% contained as of Wednesday, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Fire crews are using firelines, along with backing and burnout operations, to slow the fire’s progress and prevent it from spreading toward residential areas.

Approximately 25 structures are under threat, with six homes on the west side of Stump Tavern Road evacuated as a precaution. Voluntary evacuation orders are in place for residents on the east side of the road. The local and county fire response teams have established protective measures for the properties at risk.

“Our priority is containing this fire to protect the nearby homes and property,” the Forest Fire Service stated. “Crews are continuing to strengthen firelines to keep the fire from spreading.”