Ocean County Wildfire Update: State of Emergency Declared
NEW JERSEY – A wildfire in Ocean County has led to significant evacuations and power outages as firefighting efforts continue.
Current Status of the Wildfire
As of Wednesday, local officials report that the wildfire has scorched approximately 11,500 acres and is currently 30% contained. Efforts are focused on containing the flames, which have threatened around 20 structures.
Evacuation orders for residents in Lacey Township and Ocean Township have been lifted, allowing those displaced to return home.
Power Outages Affecting Thousands
Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) reported that over 25,000 customers are currently without electricity. This decision was made to mitigate risks associated with arcing power lines in the vicinity of the wildfire.
Officials communicated that power was cut at the request of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) to prevent further dangers.
For ongoing updates on outages, please refer to JCP&L’s official communications on their social media account.
Updates from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service
The latest reports from the NJFFS indicate a proactive approach to managing the situation with consistent updates being shared with the public.
Firefighters are working diligently to contain the blaze, and residents are urged to stay informed through official channels.
Air Quality and Fire Tracking Resources
Residents can monitor air quality via AirNow.gov. The site provides real-time data about air quality levels in affected areas.
For those wanting to track the wildfire’s progress, an interactive Fire and Smoke Map is available through AirNow, which can offer localized updates.
Another valuable resource for real-time fire information is provided by NASA in collaboration with the National Interagency Fire Center, offering maps that detail fire perimeters and active blazes.