A massive wildfire continued to burn in New Jersey on Wednesday, spanning more than 8,500 acres, prompting the evacuation of 3,000 people, snarling traffic and sending huge plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky.
The Jones Road Wildfire started in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management area in Ocean County on Tuesday afternoon and exploded in size to 8,500 acres by 10:30 p.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.
The blaze was fueled by strong 25 mph gusts that whipped through the area. As of Tuesday evening, the fire was only 10% contained.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation. But long-term drought conditions, strong winds and warm weather contributed to its spread.
Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency effective at 7 a.m. Wednesday, in response to the fire in Ocean County.
A fire burns near Waretown, N.J., on Tuesday.Chris Szagola / AP
The inferno threatened 1,320 structures and prompted the evacuation of 3,000 residents from Ocean Township and Lacey Township in Ocean County.
Ocean Township and Lacey Township police said that all mandatory evacuation orders were lifted as of 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.
More than 25,000 customers were without electricity Wednesday morning after officials turned off power to keep fire crews safe.
“Power is expected to remain out with no timetable for return. Crews are actively surveying their infrastructure for damage,” Ocean Township Police said.
Ocean Township reported no structural damage from the fire, but Lacey Township did report some.
The fire also triggered a major traffic slowdown Tuesday evening with road closures along the Garden State Parkway. On Wednesday morning, the New Jersey State Police announced that the Garden State Parkway and Route 9 near the fire zone were open again.
Harrowing videos and photos shared on social media showed orange flames consuming the forest area, and thick orange and black smoke rising into the sky.
There were high fire danger conditions in central and southern Jersey on Wednesday. However, there was some respite with cooler temperatures and lighter winds. Relative humidity was expected to be in the 20%-40% range.
On Wednesday morning, the smoke was expected to impact areas across southern New Jersey, including Atlantic City. A 180-degree wind shift in the afternoon was expected to push smoke north toward the New York City metro area by Wednesday night. By Thursday morning, smoky skies were possible for New York City, parts of Long Island and north-central New Jersey.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service was expected to hold a fire update at 11 a.m.
Kathryn Prociv contributed.
