UPDATE: State Agency to File Charges in Roosevelt City Brush Fire

The New Jersey State Forest Fire Service is expected to file charges and seek restitution after a brush fire believed to have been started by a resident burned two acres in Whiting on Saturday, police said.

It took emergency responders took about an hour to contain the Saturday afternoon fire that apparently started in the New York Avenue back yard of Jason Pisauro, according to .

Because the state's forest fire service is expected to lodge charges, "no local charges were filed by this agency," said Manchester Police Lt. Robert Dolan on Monday.

Police received the call that there was a fire in the Roosevelt City section of the township at approximately 3:15 p.m. Saturday.

"It is believed that the fire was started in the back yard of 1440 New York Ave., due to an open burn in a drum," a police said on Saturday.

State Forest Fire Warden Scott Knauer and Assistant Division Warden Jim Dusha were assisted by the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service air support and ground units, as well as the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company, Manchester Volunteer Fire Company and Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. 

The fire is being investigated by Patrolman Stephen Hankins of the Manchester Police Department and the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service. 

The Manchester Police Department wants to remind all residents that open burning is not only dangerous but illegal, especially at this time of year.

Residents are encouraged to check the New Jersey State Forest Fire website for more information on fire safety.