South Jersey Wildfire Increases In Size To 13,250 Acres

PATCH.com

LACEY, NJ — Tuesday's wildfire that started in Barnegat, prompted 3,000 evacuations and closed roads, swelled to 13,250 acres and is now 50 percent contained, New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a Wednesday evening update.

The Jones Road Wildfire moved north into Waretown and Lacey late Tuesday, officials said. But as of Wednesday morning, both the Garden State Parkway and Route 9 have been reopened in both directions, and evacuation orders have been lifted. Visibility is limited for drivers.

"An observational flight over the fire this afternoon confirmed burnout operations are improving and strengthening containment lines," the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a Wednesday evening update. "Crews are currently mopping up hotspots and mitigating snags around the fire perimeter. A water drop helicopter is currently working hotspots near priority areas. Assessments of structural damage will continue through today’s operational period."

Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way declared a State of Emergency in Ocean County early Wednesday as a result of the fire.

https://patch.com/new-jersey/barnegat-manahawkin/roads-reopen-evacuations-end-southern-ocean-wildfire-grows


The wind shifted during the day and now my area, 20 miles north, is getting smoke. I've seen stories on the news about volunteers searching for homeless people living near the fire, and others moving horses and other farm animals from evacuation areas.