Ocean County Wildfire Grows to 12,000 Acres, 30% Contained

Ocean County Wildfire Update

• wildfire that started yesterday has exploded to nearly 12,000 acres in Ocean County.
• Officials state the blaze is only 30% contained at this hour, with full containment expected by the weekend if winds do not pick up.
• This fire is being called the worst in 20 years for the region.

Evacuations and Damage Assessment

• ⚠️ The good news is that all evacuation orders have been lifted.
• 🏠 Thanks to the New Jersey Fire Service, no homes were damaged and no one was injured.
• 🚗 However, one commercial business and some vehicles were lost.

Fire Origins and History

• 🌳 The wildfire started around 9:45 Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area in Barnaga Township.
• ❓ The cause of this specific fire is still unknown.
• 📜 The worst fire in New Jersey's history occurred in 2007, burning 17,000 acres, caused by a military operation.

Air Quality and Health Tips

• 💨 The American Lung Association is releasing health tips due to potentially unhealthy air quality from the wildfires.
• 🏠 They encourage people to protect the air in their homes by keeping doors and windows shut.
• 🩺 If experiencing symptoms like wheezing or difficulty breathing, contact a doctor immediately.

Weather and Smoke Forecast

• 🌬️ A change in wind patterns could bring smoke from the fires further north, potentially impacting New York City.
• ☁️ Smoke may be visible or smelled in areas like Middlesex, Monmouth, and Somerset, with more widespread impact expected Thursday into Friday.
• 🌧️ A better chance for rain on Saturday is expected to help the firefighting efforts.