Massive N.J. Wildfire Grows To 12,500 Acres, State Of Emergency Declared

A rapidly spreading wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, has surged to 12,500 acres since igniting on Tuesday, prompting mass evacuations, damaging structures, and forcing the closure of a major highway.

The wildfire spread quickly across the Greenwood Forest Management Area, located south of Toms River which is said to be stated amid dry conditions, wind gusts, and highly flammable pine forest vegetation. 

First spotted from the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower near Barnegat Township at around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, the fire initially covered just 10 to 20 acres. 

According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, by Wednesday afternoon, the fire was 40% contained as of 4 p.m. ET. Officials anticipate full containment by the weekend, with around 100 firefighters working both on the ground and in the air. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said the blaze could become the largest wildfire in the state in the past 20 years and praised the efforts of the firefighters.