State of Emergency Declared as New Jersey Wildfire Spreads
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Synopsis
New Jersey is facing a dire wildfire situation, prompting a state of emergency. The Jones Road Wildfire has consumed 11,500 acres, forcing thousands to evacuate and disrupting traffic across the region. Authorities are working diligently to contain the blaze amidst challenging conditions.
Key Takeaways
- A wildfire in New Jersey has burned nearly 11,500 acres.
- Acting Governor declared a state of emergency.
- Thousands were evacuated from Ocean and Lacey Townships.
- Power outages affected over 25,000 households.
- Containment efforts are ongoing, with the fire not fully controlled.
New York, April 24 (NationPress) A major wildfire sweeping through New Jersey has led to a state of emergency after devastating nearly 11,500 acres, compelling thousands to evacuate, halting traffic, and enveloping the sky with thick black smoke.
The Acting Governor of New Jersey, Tahesha Way, announced a state of emergency beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, sharing on social media that there were no reported fatalities or structural damage, according to a report from Xinhua news agency.
The Jones Road Wildfire ignited on Tuesday afternoon in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area of Ocean County and quickly expanded to 8,500 acres by late evening, as indicated by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Driven by winds reaching 25 miles per hour, the fire was only 10 percent contained as of Tuesday night, threatening 1,320 structures and forcing 3,000 residents in the Ocean and Lacey Townships to evacuate.
By 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, all evacuation orders were lifted, yet over 25,000 households experienced power outages as officials shut down lines to safeguard firefighting crews.
As of 11 a.m. on Wednesday, the wildfire had scorched nearly 11,500 acres, endangered 20 structures, prompted evacuations within Ocean and Lacey Townships, caused extensive power outages, and necessitated the closure of several roads—including parts of the Garden State Parkway—leading to significant traffic congestion.
“We have truly averted a major disaster,” stated Shawn LaTourette, Commissioner of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, on Wednesday morning.
“This wildfire is not yet fully under control; we still have considerable work ahead to achieve complete containment. However, 1,300 homes were at risk during firefighting efforts.”
The Commissioner anticipates the fire's size may increase as containment efforts progress, remarking, “this could potentially become the largest wildfire in New Jersey in 20 years.”
“As many locals are aware, we have been experiencing prolonged dry conditions, particularly in the southern region of the state, significantly contributing to this fire,” LaTourette added, noting that the cause is still under investigation.
Stunning visuals illustrated the fire’s severity, with smoke initially affecting southern New Jersey, including Atlantic City. Forecasts suggested shifting winds could carry smoke northward toward New York City by Wednesday night, potentially reaching Long Island and north-central New Jersey by Thursday.
Additionally, the decommissioned Oyster Creek nuclear power plant, which ceased operations in 2018, continues to store spent nuclear fuel on-site.
Earlier on Tuesday evening, a minor fire was reported on the property but was swiftly extinguished, according to a spokesperson for NJ Advance Media.
This plant is located within the mandatory evacuation zone established by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, the police department of Lacey Township issued an alert indicating that the operational status of the power grid near the plant was unknown.
They cautioned residents to prepare for possible extended outages due to downed power lines and damaged transformers.
Jersey Central Power and Light (JCPL) had proactively disconnected power in the area to mitigate fire risk from arcing wires.
When questioned about the presence of nuclear materials at the site, officials confirmed that spent fuel is stored at Oyster Creek, emphasizing it is secured in hardened casks capable of withstanding extreme conditions, including fires.
