Fire at New Jersey mulch yard still smoldering after intense blaze prompts evacuations

Fire at New Jersey mulch yard still smoldering after intense blaze prompts evacuations

A fire at a mulch yard in Camden County on Sunday prompted a massive emergency response and briefly caused a voluntary evacuation order for nearby homes.

WATERFORD TWP. N.J - A fire at a mulch yard in Camden County on Sunday prompted a massive emergency response and briefly caused a voluntary evacuation order for nearby homes.

It took more than 100 firefighters from 50 neighboring departments to contain the blaze, and whipping winds sent billowing smoke across surrounding areas.

The fire sparked just days after a much larger and dangerous wildfire ignited in Ocean County, and grew to consume over 15,000 acres. 

A 19-year-old man was blamed for starting the wildfire by improperly extinguishing a bonfire that investigators say he started by burning wooden pallets.

What we know:

A once-ferocious brush fire that erupted Sunday at a mulch yard in Waterford, New Jersey was still smoldering on Monday morning. 

Authorities say the Jackson Road brush fire first sparked around 4 p.m. Sunday and was aided by whipping winds to make the fire more intense.

More than 100 firefighters from 50 neighboring departments responded to tackle the fire, and a voluntary evacuation order was issued for nearby homes.

What they're saying:

The Waterford Twp. Police Chief Daniel Cormaney says everyone is grateful for the hard work of the firefighters, and he’s asking the public to be careful with the dry conditions.

"Just try to be safe. Just far as you know somebody throwing a cigarette butt out or having a bonfire in the backyard whatever at this point it’s very dry it’s been windy," said Chief Daniel Cormaney. 

What's next:

Officials say Jackson Road will remain closed from Cooper Road to Hopewell Road on Monday.