- Wildfire spreads to 8,500 acres in Ocean County, New Jersey.
- Over 3,000 evacuations issued, with 1,320 structures threatened.
- Garden State Parkway closed, and air quality worsens due to smoke.
A fast-moving wildfire in New Jersey’s Ocean County has expanded rapidly to 8,500 acres, causing severe disruption. The fire began early Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area. It has since prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has managed to contain just 10% of the blaze. Over 1,300 structures are still at risk. Although no fatalities or injuries have been reported, several businesses have been destroyed in the industrial park of Lacey Township.
Massive Wildfire Forces Thousands to Evacuate and Shuts Down Major Highway
A fast-moving wildfire in New Jersey’s Ocean County has rapidly spread to 8,500 acres, prompting significant evacuations and road closures. The fire started in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, located in Barnegat Township, on Tuesday morning. By the evening, it had become a major emergency, with more than 3,000 residents ordered to evacuate from nearby areas. Firefighters are battling the flames, which have threatened over 1,300 structures.
The Garden State Parkway, a key transportation route, has been shut down due to the fire. Both northbound and southbound traffic has been diverted at different exits. The authorities have reported no casualties so far. However, the destruction includes multiple businesses in the area, particularly in an industrial park in Lacey Township. Despite the efforts to contain the fire, only 10% of it has been managed. Containment remains a top priority for responders.
The fire’s rapid spread and the worsening air quality have resulted in health advisories for local residents. Thick, black smoke has filled the air, reducing visibility and making it unsafe to remain in the affected areas. The authorities continue to monitor air quality levels and advise the public to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Power outages have also affected over 26,000 homes and businesses in Ocean County. The disruption highlights the broader impact of the fire beyond just evacuation and road closures. As the New Jersey Forest Fire Service continues to assess the damage, the full extent of the destruction and the cause of the fire remain under investigation.
The wildfire in New Jersey continues to wreak havoc, with significant damage to both property and infrastructure. Emergency teams remain on high alert as efforts to control the fire intensify.
“The smoke flooded the streets,” said Giana Nicholas, one of the residents forced to evacuate. Her statement captures the urgency and escalating danger as the wildfire continues to spread.
