Firefighter With N.J. Forest Service Killed During Controlled Burn

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Authorities say a firefighter with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service was struck and killed during a controlled burn in Hunterdon County.

Jeff Scheuerer was working along Route 629 in Clinton Township Thursday. Scheuerer, 35, lived in Raritan Township and was a member of the Readington Volunteer Fire Company.

Scheuerer was a line worker the DEP uses during controlled burns to help set the fire.

"According to our preliminary investigation, it appears that a heavy smoke condition associated with the controlled burn was present at the time of the crash and may have reduced visibility when a shift in the wind occurred," said Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony Kearns.

The name of the driver who hit him has not been released.

The investigation is ongoing.

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