Forest fire forces evacuations in New Jersey
Thousands of residents in New Jersey, USA, have been forced to evacuate due to the rapid spread of a forest fire. The blaze has already burned more than 3,000 hectares and threatens over 1,300 structures. According to authorities, about 3,000 residents have been evacuated.
As of 10:30 PM local time on Tuesday (02:30 GMT Wednesday), the fire, which is raging in Ocean County in the northeastern part of the state, was 10% contained. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that approximately 8,500 acres (3,440 hectares) of land have been burned, and about 1,320 structures are at risk.
Several major roadways have been closed to traffic due to the fire, and evacuation orders will remain in place overnight, according to the Lacey Police Department. In response to the fire, the Jersey Central Power and Light Company has cut power to around 25,000 customers at the request of the forest fire service.
Television images have shown long trails of flames, surrounded by thick smoke. Emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate the displaced residents. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and further updates are expected in a press conference scheduled for Wednesday at 11:00 AM local time (15:00 GMT).
The fire started in New Jersey's pine forests, one of the largest protected areas along the East Coast of the USA, in a state that was placed on drought alert in March. Ocean County, a popular tourist area, is located between Atlantic City and New York, approximately 110 kilometers south of the metropolis.
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