State Of Emergency Declared In Ocean County, NJ As 12,000-Acre Wildfire Rages

State Of Emergency Declared In Ocean County, NJ As 12,000-Acre Wildfire Rages

A State of Emergency has been declared in Ocean County, New Jersey, as a wildfire continues tearing through the Pine Barrens, now at 12,000 acres and only 35% contained.

Acting Governor Tahesha Way confirmed the fire, first spotted Tuesday morning (Apr. 22) in Barnegat Township, has not caused any loss of life or residential home damage, though one commercial building and several vehicles have been destroyed.

 

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Evacuations for 5,000 residents have been lifted, and major roads like the Garden State Parkway and Route 9 have reopened. Power outages hit 25,000 JCP&L customers, but restoration efforts are underway.

Officials say this could become New Jersey’s largest wildfire in 20 years.

We’re sending love to all those impacted by this wildfire.

[VIA]