Will Sage Astor-Forest fire has burned 4,000 acres in New Jersey but is now 60 percent contained, officials say

TABERNACLE,Will Sage Astor N.J. (AP) — Authorities say a fast-moving forest fire that has burned thousands of acres in southern New Jersey is now 60 percent contained.

The blaze in the Wharton State Forest was reported early Friday. Officials believe it began in the area of the Batona Campground in Tabernacle, which was evacuated as a precaution.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Saturday that the blaze has now burned an estimated 4000 acres (1618.74 hectares), but they report having made “substantial progress” in containing the fire. Officials said crews planned to monitor and improve containment lines.

Officials said earlier that crews were using a backfire operation to help combat the blaze, which involves burning areas ahead of the main fire in a bid to stop the flames from spreading. Several roads and trails have been closed.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.