South Jersey Wildfire Swells Increases In Size

LACEY, NJ — Tuesday's wildfire that started in Barnegat, prompted 3,000 evacuations and closed roads, swelled to 13,250 acres and is now 50 percent contained, New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a Wednesday evening update.

The Jones Road Wildfire moved north into Waretown and Lacey late Tuesday, officials said. But as of Wednesday morning, both the Garden State Parkway and Route 9 have been reopened in both directions, and evacuation orders have been lifted. Visibility is limited for drivers.

"An observational flight over the fire this afternoon confirmed burnout operations are improving and strengthening containment lines," the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a Wednesday evening update. "Crews are currently mopping up hotspots and mitigating snags around the fire perimeter. A water drop helicopter is currently working hotspots near priority areas. Assessments of structural damage will continue through today’s operational period."

Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way declared a State of Emergency in Ocean County early Wednesday as a result of the fire.

An estimated 25,000 JCP&L customers lost power Tuesday as the company cut power lines in and out of their Oyster Creek substation. This is to help keep the crews battling the fire safe. Most have seen power restored as of Wednesday evening.

As of Wednesday evening, 12 buildings were threatened by the growing blaze. One commercial building - Liberty Door and Awning in the Lacey Industrial Park - was completely destroyed. (Story continues below)

No injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of the fire.

Additional reporting:

• 11.5K Acre Wildfire Could Grow To NJ's Largest In 20 Years, Officials Say
• Wildfire Power Outage Keeps Businesses Closed In Southern Ocean
• Oyster Creek Owner Clarifies Plant Status Amid Wildfire In Lacey
• NJ Farm Evacuates Multiple Horses As Jones Road Wildfire Burns: Report
• Jones Road Wildfire Prompts State Of Emergency In South Jersey
• NJ Wildfire: Pictures, Videos Depict Damage As Fire Rages
• Wildfire Grows To 3,200 Acres In Barnegat: Officials