JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A wildfire burning through the New Jersey Pinelands east of Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area has prompted evacuations and threatened multiple structures as firefighters work to contain the blaze, officials said.
It’s being called the shotgun fire because of its cause and location, but more on that in a minute.
The fire, which began near Stump Tavern Road in Jackson Township, has spread across 175 acres and was 20% contained as of Wednesday, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Fire crews are using firelines, along with backing and burnout operations, to slow the fire’s progress and prevent it from spreading toward residential areas.
Approximately 25 structures are under threat, with six homes on the west side of Stump Tavern Road evacuated as a precaution. Voluntary evacuation orders are in place for residents on the east side of the road. The local and county fire response teams have established protective measures for the properties at risk.
“Our priority is containing this fire to protect the nearby homes and property,” the Forest Fire Service stated. “Crews are continuing to strengthen firelines to keep the fire from spreading.”
Road closures are affecting travel in the area, with Stump Tavern Road shut down between Route 571 and Route 528. Officials have not provided an estimated timeline for reopening the road as containment efforts continue.
Officials are telling us criminal negligence may be in play here.
The fire started near a shooting range, allegedly sparked by the illegal use of a “Dragon’s Breath” style shotgun shell, an incendiary munition. Those rounds are illegal in New Jersey and are not only against the rules and bylaws of the local range where it started, the person who triggered the fire could be on the hook for criminal arson charges and even face civil negligence claims should the fire damage any homes or structures.
The club that operates the range prohibits the use of illegal incendiary ammunition, firearms, and unsafe activities at its range. The entire incident was captured on range security video and presented to the local police department. The club is cooperating in the investigation, according to local officials, who wished to remain anonymous at this time, pending the investigation.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has urged residents in the vicinity to stay alert for updates and follow any additional evacuation recommendations if conditions worsen.
According to New Jersey law:
NJ Statute: 2C:58-10. Incendiary or tracer ammunition.
No incendiary or tracer type ammunition shall be discharged anywhere in this State except for law enforcement purposes by law enforcement officers in the course of their official duties or by members of legally recognized military organizations during the actual course of their official duties in or upon military establishments or ranges constructed or maintained for such purposes. Nonincendiary shotgun tracer ammunition may, however, be used on a trap or skeet field for target purposes. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the carrying or possession for distress signal purposes of a visual distress signaling device approved by the United States Coast Guard aboard a private or commercial aircraft or any boat.
L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:58-10, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1982, c. 173, s. 3, eff. Nov. 12, 1982.