New Jersey wildfire prompts mandatory evacuations in Ocean County

Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for some homes in New Jersey’s Ocean Township, Lakewood and Lacey Township in Ocean County due to a wildfire.

The fire started around 10 a.m. at the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said as of 8 p.m. Tuesday, 1,320 structures are threatened and 3,000 people have been evacuated.

The Red Cross has shelters open at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin and Manchester Township High School in Manchester.

Officials say about 3,200 acres are burning and the wildfire is 5% contained.

The fire caused numerous traffic impacts, including: 

• Rt. 532 (Wells Mills Road) being closed between Route 72 and the Garden State Parkway.
• Bryant Road was closed between Rt. 532 and Rt. 539.
• Jones Road was closed between Rt. 532 and Bryant Road.

The southbound Garden State Parkway has been reopened between interchanges 69 and 63, and the northbound Parkway has reopened between interchanges 74 and 80

So far, there were no reported injuries.

Officials have deployed a helicopter and a plane to drop water on the fire.

Jersey Central Power & Light reported over 25,000 customers were without power at one point Tuesday evening due to the wildfire.

According to JCP&L, all lines in and out of their Oyster Creek substation were de-energized at the request of the Forest Fire Service to protect crews battling the fire.

“Safety is our top priority and all restoration timing will be determined by the safety of firefighters, our crews and the public. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time,” a spokesperson said.

Officials reminded people not to fly drones in fire zones.