Photo: Virojt Changyencham / Moment / Getty Images
The wildfire at the Warren Grove Air to Ground Range in Ocean County, New Jersey, known as the "Whip-poor-will" Wildfire, is now 80% contained. The fire, which has been burning since Tuesday (July 16), has grown to cover 1,167 acres. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that no structures are currently threatened by the fire.
The fire received approximately 0.5 inches of rain overnight, which has significantly aided in containment efforts, however crews remain on scene to monitor and address flare ups.
The cause of the fire has not yet been released. However, it is known that military training was underway at the range earlier on Tuesday. The range, located deep in the Pinelands, is used by military planes for practice bombing and strafing.
This area has a history of significant wildfires. In May 2007, a flare deployed during an exercise at the range ignited the Pinelands, leading to one of the largest wildfires in New Jersey history. The fire quickly spread due to dry weather and high winds, burning more than 17,000 acres, destroying four homes, and damaging over a dozen others.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is working with the New Jersey Air National Guard at the scene of the current fire. Crews will continue to monitor the situation and work to further contain the blaze.