Ocean County Forest Fire Update: 100 Percent Contained

LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ — A 617-acre fire that tore through the Bass River State Forest has been 100 percent contained and poses no threat to nearby homes as of Tuesday, officials said.

Route 9 was reopened on Monday morning after it was closed for several hours, while Stage Road, Otis Road and Munion Field Road were reopened Monday evening.

New Jersey Forest Fire Service crews and local firefighters established containment boundaries around the fire on Monday, using a forest fire service helicopter to aid suppression efforts.

Work crews will remain at the scene for cleanup purposes and to maintain public safety.

After initially reporting that around 1,000 acres burned, officials said the number was reduced to 617 acres on Monday because of fire suppression tactics. No major structural or property damage was reported.

Low-level smoke is expected to be visible in the area while the fire smolders for several days.

Trevor Raynor, a section warden for the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, said officials do not know the cause of the blaze, which comes two months after another large forest fire damaged 29 homes and shut down highways in Ocean County. That fire was determined to be "intentionally set." Read more: Ocean County Forest Fire 'Intentionally Set,' Prosecutor Says

Raynor announced that the fire was under investigation during a news conference in Little Egg Harbor on Monday:

With little rain expected in the forecast and temperatures pushing to 85 degrees, the forest fire service will remain vigilant over the next two weeks.

Officials will continue to patrol and sweep the forest floors behind nearby houses. Raynor said smoke could linger in the area until measurable rain comes.

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