A fast-moving wildfire in New Jersey has led to large-scale evacuations and the closure of a major highway. The fire, which is spreading rapidly in Ocean County, has put thousands of people in danger, forcing residents to flee their homes.
Fire Forces Major Highway Closure
The Garden State Parkway, one of the busiest highways in New Jersey, was shut down on Tuesday. The closure affected a stretch of the highway between Barnegat and Lacey townships, according to the New Jersey Fire Service. This action was taken to protect both residents and emergency crews working to contain the blaze.
Thousands Evacuated, Hundreds of Structures Threatened
The wildfire, which began in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, has posed a significant threat to the surrounding community. Over 1,300 structures are currently at risk, prompting the evacuation of about 3,000 residents. Shelters have been set up in two high schools, according to the Barnegat Police Department, offering a safe haven for displaced individuals.
Power Shutoffs for Safety
In response to the fire, the Jersey Central Power and Light Company (JCP&L) cut power to approximately 25,000 customers on Tuesday evening. The power shutoff affected areas in Barnegat Township and was implemented at the request of the Forest Fire Service and the fire’s command post. The move was made to ensure the safety of the emergency crews working on the fire lines.
Fire Burns Over 34 Square Kilometers of Land
The fire, which has already consumed more than 34.2 square kilometers of land, continues to spread in both Ocean and Lacey Townships. As of Tuesday night, it was only about 10% contained. The New Jersey Fire Service has stated that crews are working tirelessly to bring the fire under control, but high winds and dry conditions continue to fuel the blaze.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation. Fire officials are working to determine how the fire started and whether there are any contributing factors such as human activity or natural causes.
No Injuries Reported
Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries at this time. Emergency responders are focused on evacuating residents and preventing the fire from spreading further into residential areas.
Personal Stories from the Evacuations
Debi Schaffer, one of the evacuees, shared her experience with local news. She was stuck in traffic after evacuating with her two dogs. Her husband stayed behind to look after their 22 chickens. Schaffer expressed concern about the safety of the chickens, joking with The Press of Atlantic City, “I wanted to take them in the car with me; can you imagine 22 chickens in a car?”
Schaffer also described the chaotic scene near her home in Waretown, saying it felt like a war zone with smoke, sirens, and helicopters overhead.
Local Farm Unaffected by Blaze
Nearby, an alpaca farm was also in the fire’s path. However, the farm’s owners assured the public that their property was not in danger. In a post on Facebook, they confirmed that all animals were safe.
A Second Major Wildfire in Less Than a Week
This blaze marks the second major forest fire in the region in less than a week. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and local fire departments are working together to contain both fires. The public is urged to stay informed through official channels as more updates become available.
