'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.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Rain & high travel fares slow down daily commute
1 2 Hyderabad: Erratic rain spells have thrown daily travel into disarray, with commuters struggling to book autos or cabs. Ride-hailing apps are showing fewer vehicles, longer wait times, and inflated fares, sometimes nearly double the usual rates, especially during peak hours. For many, even short trips now cost much more than before. Sowmya Reddy, 25, from Kukatpally, said she has been paying almost twice her usual fare for the past three days. "I normally get an auto to my office in Banjara Hills for Rs 180–200, but this morning it showed around Rs 500. Yesterday, I waited 25 minutes for a driver to accept my booking. Just to get a ride in these rains, I end up adding Rs 100 as a tip," she said. Drivers blame flooded streets, poor visibility, and heavy traffic for avoiding certain areas. Srinivas, an auto driver from the western part of the city, said, "In some lanes and main roads, water reaches up to the footrest. If it enters the engine, the auto stops. Repairs cost Rs 500 to 1,000, which is more than my day's earnings." You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Gold Rates Today in Hyderabad | Silver Rates Today in Hyderabad Mohammed Saleem, who drives in Tolichowki, said rains often mean longer hours for less pay. "A trip that takes 15 minutes normally can take 40 minutes in rain. If it is meter fare, there is no extra pay for lost time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Wet roads also make braking harder. It is safer to stick to less flooded areas," he explained. Passengers say fare surges and cancellations are making travel unpredictable . Anjali M from Cherlapalli said, "I usually travel to Secunderabad for Rs 80 to 90. Yesterday it showed Rs 250–280, and even then no one accepted the ride. Maybe there should be rules to control fares during rains." Susmitha Meekala from Madhapur added, "Today, one auto driver charged me Rs 90 but took a wrong route. Many refuse bookings or demand at least Rs 50 extra before moving." With no respite from the rains in sight, commuters and drivers remain stuck in a monsoon tug-of-war, one over flooded streets, mounting repair costs, and spiralling fares. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Irrigation officials told to maintain 24x7 vigilance at dams, canals, reservoirs
Hyderabad: Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday instructed all engineers, officers and employees of the irrigation department to stay put at their respective stations and maintain round-the-clock vigil at dams, reservoirs, canals and tanks. He also told them to act immediately to prevent breaches as Telangana prepares for several more days of heavy to very heavy rain. The emergency directives were issued during a high-level video conference with engineers-in-chief, chief engineers, superintending engineers, executive engineers, and deputy executive engineers from across the state. Principal secretary (irrigation) Rahul Bojja, special secretary Prashanth Patil and other senior engineering officials attended the meeting. Uttam told the engineers to bypass red tape and use funds instantly for flood-related works, instructing top officials to remain physically present at their assigned project sites for the next 72 hours. Citing the latest IMD update, he said Bhadradri Kothagudem, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Khammam, Medak, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Mulugu, Sangareddy, Suryapet, Vikarabad and Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri districts were likely to receive very heavy rain in the next 24 hours, while other parts of Telangana could experience heavy rainfall over the next three days. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Gold Rates Today in Hyderabad | Silver Rates Today in Hyderabad "No officer is to leave the station or apply for leave during this critical period," he said. "From the smallest village-level structure to the largest dam site, every location must be watched closely. If you sense any danger or believe a situation is getting out of control, inform your district collector, your chief engineer and the irrigation secretary immediately," he told the officials. The minister directed that all major and medium projects, canals, embankments, lakes and especially tanks be monitored without interruption, with special attention to those already full. If any breach is detected in a canal or tank, immediate steps must be taken to prevent damage or loss. Irrigation officials were told to work in coordination with revenue officials and police to patrol dam sites and vulnerable areas. Special watch must be maintained for signs of overflow, seepage or structural distress. To avoid delays in emergency response, Uttam authorised officials to utilise available financial resources immediately, as given in GO 45, for flood protection works. "This is not the time for paperwork delays. Act fast, and act decisively," he said. During the conference, the minister conducted district- and project-wise reviews, including Nagarjuna Sagar, Jurala, Kadem, and other major reservoirs. He personally enquired about the status of all projects, tanks and canals in the state, and sought detailed updates on water levels, inflow patterns in the Krishna and Godavari rivers and their tributaries, flood discharge capacity and readiness of floodgates. Officials informed him that the situation was currently under control, with all standard safety protocols in place, but assured him that field monitoring would be intensified. The minister emphasised that all top engineers should remain physically present at the project sites they are responsible for, to ensure quick decision-making and coordination with district authorities. The department's alert mechanism, he said, must be kept fully active, with rapid communication channels open at all times. Uttam also said he would be on standby on his mobile phone over the next two-three days to respond to any urgent development. "We cannot afford to be complacent. Every minute counts when dealing with heavy inflows and potential breaches," he warned. The meeting concluded with engineer-in-chief Amjad briefing officers on additional operational precautions, technical checks and contingency plans to be followed during the heavy rainfall period. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Nitish reviews flood relief and rescue operations
1 2 Patna: CM Nitish Kumar chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review relief and rescue operations in 10 flood-affected districts. He directed officials concerned to remain fully alert and make all necessary arrangements for the affected people. At the review, conducted via videoconferencing at the Sankalp hall in CM residence, an official informed the CM that around 25 lakh people had been affected by the flood in 54 blocks of the 10 districts, as several rivers were in spate due to torrential rainfall in the past 24 hours. Seven NDRF and nine SDRF teams were engaged in relief and rescue efforts in the flood-hit areas, the official said. The CM emphasised that the administration should remain fully alert to the rising water levels in areas along the rivers. He urged that affected individuals be assisted promptly and with full sensitivity. Nitish said since coming to power in Nov 2005, his govt has been committed to assisting disaster victims. "Preparations for potential floods, droughts and other disasters are reviewed before the arrival of monsoon, and instructions given to the officials to work according to the standard operating procedures (SOP)," he said. He asked the officials to distribute the gratuitous relief funds among the flood-affected people as soon as possible. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wildlife Cameras Capture What No One Should See Ohi Blog Undo He also emphasised ensuring compensation for crop damage to farmers during the floods. He directed the road construction and rural works departments to ensure the restoration of roads damaged by floods. Earlier, development commissioner (DC) Pratyaya Amrit, who is also the additional chief secretary of the disaster management department, informed the CM about the relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas and the water levels of rivers. "Due to heavy rainfall, 10 districts along Ganga river — Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur and Katihar — have been particularly affected. The floods have impacted around 25 lakh people across 348 panchayats in 54 blocks. Sixty motorboats and 1,233 boats are actively working," Amrit said at the meeting. The DC added so far, 52,573 polyethylene sheets and 1,800 dry ration packets have been distributed among the affected people. "Arrangements in flood relief camps have been made according to the SOP. Over 13 lakh people have been provided meals at community kitchens. Provisions for animal fodder and medical care have been arranged," he said. Amrit also said the disaster management department reviews relief and rescue operations daily. District magistrates have been instructed to prepare lists for the distribution of the gratuitous relief funds. Amrit said that the good rainfall in the state has benefited the farmers, with 93% of paddy sowing over. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
