Big Rusty Wildfire: Crews make progress battling large fire in Burlington County

HAINESPORT, NJ - Crews in New Jersey are working to contain a wildfire in Burlington County’s Hainesport neighborhood Monday night. 

The wildfire is burning in the area of Bancroft Lane and Cove Court. 

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service, Westampton Squad 2723 and Hainesport Volunteer Fire Company were all at the scene Monday.

As of Wednesday, November 20, the fire is 100 percent contained after torching 40 acres with no structures threatened.

"This area has a lot of ups and downs if you will. It has some sandpits in it, it is behind homes which is always a challenge, going in the back of people's houses and getting our equipment in there," said Chief Donnelly.

People stood outside taking pictures and watching firefighters at work to protect their homes.

"They should shelter in place. Obviously breathing in the smoke is not going to be good for anybody. If they do have means to a mask or something like that, it is always suggested," said Chief Donnelly.

Nicole Primas knows the area well.

"There's trails back there that the kids and my kids used to play in," she said. Primas says streets are blocked off on both ends.

"Further than there, there's more woods in another part called the Lakes and that's even more wooded area," she said.

Fire officials say hot spots will continue to pop up because of the amount of debris in the area.

They expect smoke here until Tuesday, when a breeze comes through and it dissipates.

"This fire is going to continue to smolder. Fortunately, it looks like we have rain in the forecast coming Wednesday night into Thursday. That is what it is going to take to put this fire out," said Chief Donnelly.

No evacuations were ordered. The cause of the fire is under investigation.