By LEE PROCIDA

Published: Saturday, March 14, 2009

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP  The thumping sound of helicopter blades preceded the state Forest Fire Service’s Bell 206 JetRanger as it flew south over the Mullica River and turned to survey Hog Island, where it burned 132 acres of reeds Friday morning.

Hanging out the side was Rob Gill, an aerial ignition specialist, who would be operating the service’s new fire-starting device mounted to the helicopter, “The Red Dragon.” ....Continue Reading

  Egg Harbor Township - A local man was in the hospital Monday afternoon after he tried to make a 20- to 25-foot jump while riding an all-terrain vehicle in Bob's Gravel Pit, police said.

Officer Michelle Fromal responded to the pit off Zion Road in the Scullville section at 1:19 p.m. and found Nicholas Loglisi, 21, had hurt his back attempting a stunt while riding in the pit. The Egg Harbor Township Ambulance Squad and paramedics from AtlantiCare stabilized Loglisi at the scene, and he was airlifted to the Regional Trauma Unit at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, police said. He was listed in fair condition Monday afternoon, hospital spokeswoman Jenna Dearth said.

There are "No Trespassing" signs posted at the pit, and bikers should not ride there, police said. Charges are pending against riders who were on the property at the time.

This story was taken from the news source stated above. It is not the opinion of The Elwood Vol. Fire Company or it's members.

From Press staff reports