William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews
NATIONAL PARK, NJ–Around 10:30 AM Saturday, April 11, 2026, black and dark gray smoke plumes were visible to the west. The smoke could be seen from far away, even from the Walt Whitman Bridge. “Lookie Lou’s” from all over South Jersey were driving toward the smoke, trying to find the source. CNBNews initially headed to Water Street, Gloucester City. Finding nothing, we drove to Old Crown Point Road, West Deptford, thinking the fire was at the Sunoco Refinery tank farm that faces The Piston Diner.
Not seeing anything at that location, we drove to the nearby community of National Park. Traffic was backed up from the 295 exit ramp to the Hessian Avenue traffic light. As Sweetie and I neared the fire, the smoke turned a dark black. Despite having my van windows closed and the AC on, my eyes began to tear, and I began to choke uncontrollably. Sweetie began to whimper. At that point, traffic was getting more congested. We abandoned our search for the fire’s location and headed home.
The office of Gloucester County Emergency Management issued the following press release: An extremely large brush fire is burning in the National Park near the Sunoco Refinery property. Smoke plumes and ash are reported as far south and east as Glassboro and Washington Twp.
A vast number of resources throughout Gloucester County are on the scene or responding, fighting the fire and protecting structures. Multiple fireboats from both sides of the Delaware and teams from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service are also assisting. Conditions may change or worsen due to high winds or fire behavior.
Onlookers are urged to stay out of the area! Excessive vehicle and pedestrian traffic near the fire scene is hindering the emergency response and fire suppression efforts.
Those with health or breathing problems are urged to stay indoors or close windows if they are sensitive to smoke.
A Forest Fire Service plane capable of dropping 600 gallons is being deployed.
Avoid the area. Please follow directions from emergency personnel.
According to Channel 6, Action News, at a 2 p.m. update, officials said the fire is 160 acres in size and 70% contained.
Voluntary evacuations are in place due to 60 structures being threatened by the flames, the forest fire service said.