Local fire departments put out a blaze deep in the woods off of New Brunswick Avenue Wednesday morning, in the vicinity of Lake Lefferts.
The fire was reported at about 8:30 a.m. by a driver who noticed smoke coming from the woods behind Kwikstop Food Stores & Deli while heading toward Route 79 on New Brunswick Avenue.
Within minutes, the fire department located an approximately 1,000-square-foot fire burning in the woods about 2,000 feet behind the convenience shop, according to Aberdeen Fire Cpt. Will Smith, Jr. The fire was located close to the lake.
The Cheesequake Volunteer Fire Company responded to the scene with their brush fire truck and drove through the forest to the fire, where they were able to bring the flames under control.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, however due to the fire's proximity to trails, Smith, Jr. said it was likely caused by people in the woods.
Smith, Jr. noted that the slightly damp conditions of the brush and the lack of wind help to prevent the fire from spreading rapidly.
"It could have been much worse," he said.
The Aberdeen Township Fire Department, Matawan Borough Fire Department, Old Bridge Fire Department and South Aberdeen EMS all responded to the scene.
