New Jersey wildfire explodes to 13,250 acres, could be largest in nearly 20 years

A wildfire in New Jersey exploded to 13,250 acres after igniting Tuesday in Ocean County and threatening more than 1,000 structures, shutting down a major highway and causing thousands of people to flee the flames.

By Wednesday afternoon, officials said firefighters were gaining the upper hand on the blaze. The Jones Road Wildfire was 50% contained as of 7 p.m. ET, according to New Jersey Forest Fire Service officials.

Shawn LaTourette, New Jersey's commissioner of Environmental Protection, said fire officials expect the blaze to grow and that it could turn out to be the largest wildfire in New Jersey in 20 years.