Split Ditch Fire burns hundreds of acres in southern New Jersey

The fire is expected to grow to 1,500 acres

Map Split Ditch Fire
Map of the Split Ditch Fire, April 9, 2020. New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

(Updated at 9:16 p.m. EDT April 9, 2020)

The Split Ditch Fire in southern New Jersey has burned approximately 250 acres 4 miles southwest of the Millville Executive Airport and 12 miles south of Vineland.

“Crews are making an indirect attack utilizing existing fuel breaks and county roads,” said Micheal Achey of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. “The fire is estimated to be 1,500 acres by the time of containment. Firing operations will continue until morning.”

The blaze has been pushed by winds out of the west-northwest gusting above 40 mph per hour with relative humidity in the high 20s and temperature in the high 50s.

Wind speed Thursday afternoon at Millville Municipal Airport
Wind speed Thursday afternoon at Millville Municipal Airport, NJ.

The Split Ditch Fire is being fought by 30 personnel on 10 Type 6 engines, 4 dozers, and one UH-1H helicopter operated by the state.


(UPDATE at 11:18 a.m. EDT April 10, 2020)

Typos, let us know HERE, and specify which article. Please read the commenting rules before you post a comment.

Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.