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.

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

The fire caused numerous traffic impacts, including: 

• Garden State Parkway closed in both direction in the area of Exit 69
• 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

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 Tuesday evening due to the wildfire.

Officials reminded people not to fly drones in fire zones.