20-Acre Wildfire Burns in Vineland, New Jersey

Firefighters are battling a 20-acre wildfire in the Peaslee Wildlife Management Area in Vineland, Cumberland County, New Jersey. The blaze, first detected around midday Friday by the Belleplain Fire Tower, has led to the closure of Union Road between Route 49 and Mays Landing Road, and residents are being urged to avoid the area. As of Friday afternoon, the fire remains 0% contained, though no structures are threatened and no evacuations have been ordered. Ground crews are supported by bulldozers, fire engines, a helicopter capable of dropping 300 gallons of water, and an air tanker with a 600-gallon capacity. Officials report that strong winds have complicated firefighting efforts, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. No new information is expected until later in the evening.