NJ wildfire has potential to burn for several more days due to lack of rain
OCEAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (PIX11) – The wildfire ravaging parts of New Jersey has now scorched more than 13,000 acres and has the potential to burn for at least several more days, according to the state's Forest Fire Service.
Officials said the Jones Road Wildfire, which started in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, is roughly 50% contained. A state of emergency was declared on Wednesday as the Forest Fire Service waged a wide-scale effort, teaming with local fire and rescue agencies to knock back the inferno-like blaze.
Around 5,000 residents of Ocean County were forced to evacuate from their homes on Tuesday but have since been allowed to return.
"I was really scared. I was crying. I didn’t know what was going to happen," Aubreigh Novak told PIX11 News. "I had to ride my bike home fast, and I just threw stuff in bags and just left and I had to get my cat, my rabbits, and two dogs."
There were also sweeping power outages for 25,000 customers as firefighters battled the blaze. The power was restored on Wednesday, officials said.
One business, The Liberty Door and Awning, was destroyed by the wildfire. At least 12 more structures are still threatened, according to the forest fire service.
Officials are assessing the damage and investigating the cause of the fire. Rain is in the forecast for parts of New Jersey this weekend, which may help with ongoing efforts to fight the fire.
An air quality alert is in effect for parts of New York and New Jersey on Thursday due to smoke from the wildfire. The air quality index is expected to reach 101 in New York City, according to AirNow.
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.