'Making progress': New Jersey wildfire 60% contained as crew battle flames; evacuations ordered

Firefighters in New Jersey have contained 60% of a massive wildfire burning through Wharton State Forest, officials confirmed Saturday, as crews continue to battle the blaze that has scorched more than 5,000 acres since Thursday.The Mines Spung Wildfire, first reported by a private pilot on June 13, has threatened several structures in Shamong Township and forced evacuations, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service."We're making progress," said chief Bill Donnelly of the state fire service during a Saturday press conference, though he acknowledged that the fire remains active. “The fire has got some serious burning going on right now and with that, we're having a hard time to control it.”According to USA Today, Firefighters have deployed helicopters, bulldozers, fire engines, and ground crews to contain the flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.The blaze prompted evacuations at the Lower Forge campground in Washington Township and Shamong’s Costello Preparatory Academy, a state-run community home for males with substance abuse histories. Authorities also closed several roads in Shamong and part of the Batona Trail in South Jersey to hikers.

Smoke from the wildfire was reported as far away as Pennsylvania and Delaware on Friday evening, according to CBS affiliate KYW-TV.The wildfire is burning near the Carranza Memorial in Tabernacle, a 12-foot stone monument dedicated to famed Mexican aviator Emilio Carranza Rodriguez. Carranza, hailed as “the Lindbergh of Mexico,” died in a 1928 crash at the site while flying home to Mexico from New York City during a thunderstorm.Officials said the fire service would provide another update at around 2:30pm Saturday.