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Air pollution

Wildfire in Wharton State Forest Grows to 4,200 Acres, Threatens Philadelphia Region Air Quality

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A massive wildfire in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County has grown to 4,200 acres, causing hazardous air quality conditions in the Philadelphia region. Despite no reported injuries or structure damage, the fire has forced the evacuation of several structures, including the Phillip M. Costello Preparatory Academy and the Lower Forge Campground. The fire, dubbed the Mines Spung Fire, was first spotted on Friday morning and has led to the closure of the Batona Trail between Carranza and Bulldozer Roads.

Key Takeaways:

  • The wildfire in Wharton State Forest has grown to 4,200 acres, making it a significant concern for air quality in the Philadelphia region.
  • The fire has triggered "hazardous" air quality conditions, prompting people to stay indoors, especially those with respiratory challenges.
  • No injuries or structure damage have been reported, but several structures remain threatened, including the Phillip M. Costello Preparatory Academy and the Lower Forge Campground.
  • The Batona Trail has been closed between Carranza and Bulldozer Roads.
  • The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
  • The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported the fire to be 40% contained as of 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
  • Smoke from the fire has created air quality concerns, prompting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow to alert residents of hazardous conditions.

Statistics:

  • The wildfire has grown to 4,200 acres in size.
  • The fire has reached 40% containment as of 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
  • Five structures remain threatened by the fire.
  • The Batona Trail has been closed between Carranza and Bulldozer Roads.
  • The Phillip M. Costello Preparatory Academy and the Lower Forge Campground have been evacuated as a precaution.
  • No injuries or structure damage have been reported.

Sources:

  • "Wildfire in Wharton State Forest grows to 4,200 acres, threatens Philadelphia region air quality" by Robert Moran, The Philadelphia Inquirer
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow
  • New Jersey Forest Fire Service

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