NJ Wildfire Burns 13,500 Acres—State of Emergency Declared, Gov. Murphy Criticized For Absence

The wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey that started Tuesday has now burned 13,500 acres, and is on track to becoming the Garden State's largest wildfire in nearly two decades.

The Jones Road Wildfire is expanded dramatically Wednesday night and while it is now 50% contained, as per the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, it remains a threat to some populated areas.

Officials said Wednesday that the blaze has the potential to become New Jersey's largest wildfire in nearly 20 years.

Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, who is overseeing state affairs while Gov. Phil Murphy is out of the country, on Wednesday declared a state of emergency in Ocean County amid the raging wildfire.

She urged residents in affected areas to "listen to guidance from emergency management officials."