New Jersey declares state of emergency as large wildfire expands to 8,500 acres.

A significant wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, has led to the evacuation of approximately 3,000 residents and prompted Acting Governor Tahesha Way to declare a state of emergency for the region. This emergency declaration took effect at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, following reports from the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service indicating that the rapidly spreading Jones Road Wildfire had expanded to 8,500 acres, endangering over 1,300 structures.

At a press conference early in the morning, Acting Governor Way confirmed that, as of 6 a.m., there were no reported fatalities or structural damage. She assumed her role while Governor Phil Murphy is in Poland, participating in events commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Evacuation orders were initially issued to safeguard residents, although they were lifted on Wednesday morning, allowing many individuals to return to their homes. Nonetheless, as of 9 a.m., some residents remained in emergency shelters located in Manchester and Stafford townships.

The wildfire was first detected around 1 p.m. on Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area of Barnegat Township, approximately 90 miles south of Midtown Manhattan. By 3 p.m. that same day, officials reported that the fire had consumed approximately 150 acres, with no containment efforts proving successful at that time. Firefighters employed various resources, including engines, bulldozers, and aerial support with a helicopter capable of dropping 300 gallons of water.

Mandatory evacuations subsequently extended to both Ocean and Lacey townships. The wildfire’s advancement resulted in road closures across state, county, and local routes, including significant thoroughfares such as the Garden State Parkway and U.S. Route 9.

By 7 p.m. on Tuesday, the fire had grown to 3,200 acres with only 5% containment. By 9 p.m., the situation worsened, with the fire expanding by over 160% and reaching 10% containment. The worsening conditions highlighted the urgent nature of the state of emergency declaration, substantiated by extensive evacuations and power outages affecting over 25,000 residents.

While the authorities have managed to prevent loss of life, the Jones Road Wildfire has been deemed a serious threat, posing immediate risks to the health, safety, and resources of local communities. This developing situation continues to be monitored closely by fire service officials and state authorities as efforts to contain the wildfire are ongoing.

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