Cause of Route 46 wildfire in Warren County remains under investigation after scorching 100 acres

INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) — The cause of the May 2 wildfire that burned 100 acres along Route 46 in Independence Township remains under investigation, according to NJDEP spokeswoman Caryn Shenski.

The blaze was fully contained by the morning of May 3 following a rapid response from local fire departments and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Crews used engines, bulldozers, ground teams, and a helicopter capable of dropping 300 gallons of water per flight to bring the fire under control.

At the height of the incident, 25 structures were threatened, though no evacuations were ordered and only two outbuildings were damaged.