New Jersey Forest Blaze Forces Mass Evacuations and Shuts Down Key Highway

Wildfires continue to wreak havoc in New Jersey, as a rapidly spreading blaze in Barnegat Township has led to widespread evacuations and significant disruptions. The New Jersey Fire Service reported that the fire prompted authorities to close a section of the Garden State Parkway between Barnegat and Lacey townships.

Approximately 3,000 residents were evacuated, with over 1,300 structures at risk. Emergency shelters were established in two local high schools to accommodate those displaced by the fire, according to police reports.

In a precautionary measure, Jersey Central Power and Light Company cut power to nearly 25,000 customers, impacting thousands in Barnegat Township. The power outage was implemented to ensure the safety of firefighting crews combating the flames, which have now consumed over 13.2 square miles of land in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area. The fire was reported to be only about 10% contained as of Tuesday night, and the cause remains under investigation.

While there have been no immediate reports of injuries, the evacuation experiences were harrowing for many. Debi Schaffer described her escape with her dogs, while her husband opted to stay behind with their chickens. “It was like a war zone,” she recalled, describing the scene filled with smoke, sirens, and helicopter activity.

Though close to an alpaca farm, the property reported no threat to its animals. The current wildfire marks the second major forest fire in the region in less than a week, emphasizing a growing concern for local wildlife and communities affected by these natural disasters.