New Jersey Wildfire Grows, Thousands Briefly Evacuated \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A fast-moving wildfire in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens has scorched nearly 19 square miles but caused no injuries. Officials say the blaze remains active and could continue for days until rain arrives. Thousands were briefly evacuated and power was temporarily cut to protect first responders.
Quick Looks
- Blaze Size: Fire has consumed over 12,000 acres (19 sq miles)
- Evacuations: 5,000 residents briefly displaced, now returned home
- Damage: One commercial building and several vehicles destroyed
- Containment Progress: About 40% contained as of Wednesday afternoon
- Power Cut: 25,000 customers lost power temporarily, now restored
- Location: Burning in Lacey and Ocean Townships, Pine Barrens region
- State of Emergency: Declared by Acting Gov. Tahesha Way
- No Injuries Reported: Despite fast spread and large evacuation
- Fire Cause: Still under investigation
- Fire Risk Conditions: Dry weather, low humidity, sandy soil, and high winds
- Wildfire History: Second-worst NJ fire in 20 years
- Alpaca Farm and Animals: Nearby farm safe, animals unharmed
Deep Look
A powerful wildfire sweeping across southern New Jersey’s Pine Barrens has consumed nearly 19 square miles (49 square kilometers) of forest, making it one of the largest fires in the state in the last two decades, according to state officials.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire — which ignited in Lacey and Ocean Townships — was about 40% contained, with firefighting efforts continuing into the evening. Despite the size and intensity of the blaze, no injuries have been reported, and the 5,000 people who were evacuated Tuesday evening have been allowed to return home.
Evacuations and Emergency Declarations
In response to the growing threat, Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency early Wednesday. The declaration allowed state and local officials to more easily deploy resources to contain the wildfire and protect communities.
One resident, Debi Schaffer, described the scene near her home in Waretown as a “war zone” — filled with thick smoke, fire sirens, and helicopters overhead.
“I wanted to take [our chickens] in the car with me; can you imagine 22 chickens in a car?” she told The Press of Atlantic City, recalling her evacuation with her two dogs.
Fortunately, no residential homes have been lost in the blaze. However, the fire destroyed a commercial building and multiple vehicles, and emergency responders say additional uninhabited forest may still burn before the fire is fully brought under control.
Power Cuts to Protect Crews
As flames approached utility lines, the Jersey Central Power and Light Company (JCP&L) de-energized power to approximately 25,000 customers at the request of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The outage was intended to protect firefighting personnel working in the area from electrical hazards.
By late Wednesday, power had been restored to all impacted customers.
A Fire Fueled by Forest Conditions
According to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, the wildfire is expected to continue growing in size over the next few days, especially in unpopulated, forested areas of the Pine Barrens.
“This is still a very active fire,” LaTourette said during a press briefing. “The number of acres will grow, and will grow in a place that is unpopulated.”
New Jersey’s Pine Barrens — a vast 1.1 million-acre protected area of sandy soil and dense pine forest — is naturally prone to wildfires, especially during the spring fire season when humidity is low, winds are gusty, and trees are still leafing out.
While the region experienced rainfall earlier this spring, recent dry spells and low humidity have raised fire risks across the area.
Pine Barrens: A Wildfire-Prone Wilderness
Despite being located in the nation’s most densely populated state, the Pine Barrens remains one of the most wild and undeveloped forest tracts in the eastern United States.
It’s home to rare wildlife, unique ecosystems, and is protected by both state and federal conservation laws. However, that wilderness is often interspersed with rural communities, small farms, and residential enclaves — making the area a dangerous intersection of development and nature.
“It’s the interface where the environment and development meet,” LaTourette noted. “That creates challenges in how we manage wildfire risks.”
Fire’s Origin Still Unknown
Authorities say the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service, along with local and state agencies, is conducting field analysis and will review any signs of human activity or lightning strikes that could have ignited the blaze.
Drone footage and video released by the fire service shows towering clouds of smoke, blackened tree canopies, and firefighters working in brutal conditions to prevent further spread.
Community Impact and Animal Safety
Though the fire came dangerously close to several populated areas, emergency responders successfully protected both people and animals. A nearby alpaca farm reported that all animals were safe and that flames did not breach their property line.
Residents returning to their homes Wednesday reported scorched trees, ash-covered driveways, and the lingering smell of smoke. Helicopters continue to drop water on hot spots, and firefighters are using backburning techniques to halt the fire’s edge.
Second Major Forest Fire in One Week
This blaze marks the second major wildfire in South Jersey in less than a week, highlighting the increasing threat of wildfires in the region due to changing climate conditions and land use patterns.
The fire is being compared to the 2007 blaze that burned 26 square miles, the largest in recent New Jersey history. Officials say this current fire could come close to matching that number, depending on how the weather — especially forecast rainfall later this week — plays out.
What’s Next?
Officials are hopeful that rain expected later this week will help with containment. Until then, crews remain deployed in shifts around the clock.
Residents in the surrounding areas are urged to:
- Avoid entering forested areas
- Keep phones and emergency alerts active
- Follow fire safety rules during dry periods
New Jersey Wildfire Grows
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