Wildfire grows to 8,500 acres in New Jersey, thousands forced to evacuate
OCEAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (PIX11) – An aggressive wildfire in southern New Jersey has forced the evacuations of roughly 3,000 people on Tuesday, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Officials said the fire in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area nearly tripled in size overnight, growing to around 8,500 acres. Only 10% of the blaze is contained, according to fire officials.
Emergency crews quickly shut down several roads on Tuesday afternoon, including sections of the Garden State Parkway. Some exits were allowed to reopen hours later.
A video showed dense smoke hovering above a neighborhood, so thick it nearly veiled over the sun.
Evacuated residents are taking shelter at two high schools. Officials said the fire threatens more than 1,000 structures.
No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.