Either the smoke expanded alot or this thing is burning fast. Alot bigger area now on 46ers links from this morning.
1st of the season
- Thread starter 46er
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I have a clandestine campsite on Papoose headwaters:-( A beautiful open island type area.This is not good
A few days ago on the way home from Wharton I was headed south on 54 and I could see a big fire smoke cloud to the SW of Hammonton and west of about Newtonville.I imagine that was a controlled burn since I heard no news about it.Looked like it may have been the western edge of Williamstown WMA?
The winds have shifted to the west now, which would spread any smoke eastward; but I see no smoke plume on that hazard map. Maybe the rain cleared it.
However, it looks like Central America and Cuba are burning up
They say that the fire has spread to 10,000 acres. That's 15.625 square miles. From Spring Hill to RT 72 at Coyle Field is about 4 miles. From Red Rd to Shoal Branch is about 4 miles. Not knowing the true direction the fire is spreading, it could be west of Shoal Branch to Bailey Rd. We just have wait.
There was a search and rescue this weekend in the Forked River Mountains.
Search and rescue operation underway in Forked River Mountains of Lacey
https://www.app.com/story/news/loca...rway-forked-river-mountains-lacey/3322296002/
Search and rescue operation underway in Forked River Mountains of Lacey
https://www.app.com/story/news/loca...rway-forked-river-mountains-lacey/3322296002/
82nd Sandy Lane Enduro was cancelled from a major forest fire in this area
http://www.meteormc.com/sandy-lane-enduro-2019.html
http://www.meteormc.com/sandy-lane-enduro-2019.html
There is a good video by the FFS at this link. The place looks crispy. Great time to explore.
https://www.courierpostonline.com/s...9/04/01/nj-forest-fire-penn-state/3329562002/
https://www.courierpostonline.com/s...9/04/01/nj-forest-fire-penn-state/3329562002/
I think the investigation is ongoing but they likely know exactly where it started. Would it surprise anyone if it turns out that it started at a known 'party' spot in the woods? Where people gather, drink beer, light bonfires from pallets and other scrap wood? No? Maybe it was lightning, then.
I was at Spring Hill today, at that spot. Quite a mess on top of that hill. The shocking blue reflection of beer cans etc.
But it is odd that there was evidence of fire all the way there from Sims place.
But it is odd that there was evidence of fire all the way there from Sims place.
Yes, it's puzzling. I was in the woods the day the fire started, over by Shoal Branch. The winds were strong out of the SSW. I thought backfires would have been set to meet the fire, not to catch up with it. But it does kind of make sense, what they did. It was a way to protect Warren Grove--if the winds shifted just a little bit they'd be in danger.
Post-fire drone video from NJ.com:
https://www.nj.com/burlington/2019/...-of-11k-acre-forest-fire-in-nj-pinelands.html
Another article - rules out cause being a prescribed burn, no lightning, no power lines - therefore human activity. "Started in an area known for bonfires". Asking the public for tips on anyone in the area that might have caused it.
https://www.nj.com/burlington/2019/...arted-in-area-known-for-illegal-bonfires.html
https://www.nj.com/burlington/2019/...-of-11k-acre-forest-fire-in-nj-pinelands.html
Another article - rules out cause being a prescribed burn, no lightning, no power lines - therefore human activity. "Started in an area known for bonfires". Asking the public for tips on anyone in the area that might have caused it.
https://www.nj.com/burlington/2019/...arted-in-area-known-for-illegal-bonfires.html
A forest fire burns in all directions from the point of origin. It just moves faster in the direction of the wind. A slight wind change can turn a flank into a head fire.
Looks like a black weekend for me. I love walking in the burned area's. I was maneuvering the earlier video and checking the locations I want to go and they look crispy.