May 07, 2015
A large fire burning in Burlington County, New Jersey's Wharton State Park has prompted evacuations as firefighting planes and helicopters attempt to battle the blaze from above.
According to NBC 10, county dispatchers said the fire started behind the Atison Ranger Station near Route 206 and Quakerbridge Road in Shamong Thursday afternoon.
Residents living and working on the east side of Route 206 were notified by New Jersey State troopers to leave the area as thick, billowing smoke spreads through the air. The road has not been shut down, however.
Officials were not able to confirm how the fire started, but said that more than 700 acres had been consumed by 5:30 p.m.
Fox 29 reports that as of 8:15 p.m., the fire has been 50 percent contained.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
