Firefighters Contain Brush Fire Near Meadowlands

Fire officials say the flames are contained to brush and no buildings are involved

Firefighters have contained a large brush fire that sparked along the New Jersey Turnpike near the Meadowlands Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities said the blaze started at 1:15 p.m. At one point, it escalated to three alarms and burned across about 60 acres, prompting serious concerns that the radiant heat would ignite nearby buildings, according to officials.

But crews were able to guide the flames into a "controlled" burn, away from structures. Officials say there is minimal risk of a flare-up because most of the fire fuel has been consumed.

The blaze caused some travel delays during the evening commute, but no injuries or property damage were reported. There were no evacuations.

Fire crews are now hoping for rain to douse the remaining embers that were burning.

Several brush fires have occurred in New Jersey in recent days, mostly due to dry conditions and low humidity.

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