A massive wildfire tearing through Ocean County has prompted mandatory evacuations for thousands, scorched more than 8,500 acres, and left over 25,000 homes and businesses without power as emergency crews battle the flames.
The blaze ignited around 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, quickly spreading across the Pine Barrens. Officials from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service report that the wildfire is only 10% contained as of Wednesday morning, with more than 1,300 structures currently under threat.
Residents of Lakewood, Lacey, and Ocean townships were ordered to evacuate after smoke filled the skies and fire began consuming buildings near Route 9. In total, an estimated 3,000 people were displaced from their homes.
Cellphone and aerial footage captured the harrowing scenes: thick plumes of smoke blocking out the sky and walls of flame swallowing entire patches of forest and residential structures alike.
“Lots of smoke in the air. You could really smell and taste it,” said Lakewood resident Andrew Fellin. “Right after the police showed up and told us it was a mandatory evacuation, our power went out. That’s when we knew we had to go. It was scary and chaotic.”
Jersey Central Power & Light proactively shut off electricity to thousands in an effort to protect firefighters working in the danger zones. The Garden State Parkway, which was closed in both directions between exits 63 and 74, has since reopened, but Route 9 remains shut down. Traffic is currently being diverted through Route 539.
Emergency shelters have been established by the Red Cross at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin and Manchester Township High School in Manchester for displaced residents.
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Crews are working around the clock, using fire engines, bulldozers, and backfiring operations to establish containment lines and stop the fire’s advance. Fire officials say efforts will intensify throughout Wednesday as dry conditions and shifting winds threaten to worsen the situation.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is expected to hold its next public briefing at 11 a.m. Wednesday, providing updates on containment efforts and the future threat to Ocean County residents.
So far, no injuries have been reported.
