Wildfire burns in New Jersey caused by 25 mph winds have continued until Wednesday, affecting more than 8,500 acres, while 3,000 people living in Ocean and Lacey Townships have been evacuated.
The large fire started in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area on Tuesday and spread immediately. The Jones Road Wildfire had affected many areas by 10:30 p.m., while it was only contained at 10%.
A State of emergency was issued by the Acting Governor of the state, Tahesha Way, which is supposed to take effect on Wednesday at 7 a.m. The fire may likely affect buildings numbering about 1,320. The wildfire has affected some structures in Lacey Township while Ocean Township has recorded no structural damage.
25,000 people have remained in their houses without power because of the power cut to ensure that firefighters provide enough safety. An order for compulsory evacuation was rescinded at 6:30am.
No one can ascertain the reason for the wildfire yet as the situation is still undergoing investigation, but part of the things that fueled the spread are windy conditions, unusually high temperatures and dry weather.
The wildfire led to extensive road closures which affected traffic on Tuesday night, but Route 9 and the Garden State Parkway have been opened again.
Smoke is still visible in the southern part of New Jersey with an impact on Atlantic City and may be blown to the northern part of New York City tonight.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service will issue a forecast update at exactly 11 a.m.
