This article covers a developing story. Keep in touch with us as we will add more information when it is available.
A violent wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey has consumed 8,500 acres since Tuesday morning, April 22 Force officials to issue mandatory evacuation orders For the Ocean and the town of Lacey and Lakewood areas, about 3,000 people fled the area.
According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Department, the fast-burning wildfires began at the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area around 10 a.m. Tuesday and quickly spread across dry woodlands, threatening 1,320 buildings.
More than 25,000 people were powerless as several key roads were closed for the wildfire troops
According to Jersey Central Power & Light, there are currently more than 25,000 people on the Jersey Coast without electricity.
Utilities initiated overnight cuts to prevent electrical sparks and residents’ safety, at the request of the Jersey Forest Fire Department and Wildfire Command Postal.
“All recovery timings will be determined by the safety of firefighters, our crew and the public.” The statement then added: “We do not expect strength to be restored tonight,” the utility said.
As of this morning, Wednesday, April 23, powerOutage.us 25,531 attributes without motivation have been recorded.
Black smoke began to penetrate roads and highways in Ocean County, prompting the closure of several key roads, including most of the Garden State Park Avenue in the main arteries of Jersey.
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Garden State Parkway between Barnegat Road and Lacey Road
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Route 532 (Willes Mills Road) between Route 72 and Garden State Park Avenue
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Kobe Road between Route 532 and Route 539
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Between 532 Jones Road and Kobe Road
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Drive from the lakeside to Route 9
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Closed on secondary and third roads
New Jersey police warn commuters to stay away from these roads because driving conditions are extremely dangerous. The intense black smoke continued to cover the area, reducing air quality, prompting residents in wildfire areas to immediately ask for public health consultations.
Strong winds cheer on huge wildfires as they highlight the Jersey coast
Firefighters face challenging conditions while trying to curb large wildfires. So far, strong winds continue to burn the flames due to over 8,500 acres of land burning. Dry weather conditions, with little rain expected to occur throughout the week, have deepened concerns about the possible outbreak of firefighters attacking the ground and air attacking flames.
Strong and ever-changing winds are prompting fire officials to warn residents of Barnegat Township if they are told to evacuate. However, according to the National Weather Service, winds are expected to decrease.
“With the north of the fire, there is no immediate threat to the town of Barnegat. However, we ask you to be prepared when direction changes.”
Fire Services will be available on Wednesday, April 23 at 11 a.m. ET. As other information comes in, we will continue to provide you with updates.