Wildfire burns more than 300 acres in Ocean County, New Jersey
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WABC) -- Firefighters have made some progress battling a wildfire in Jackson Township in Ocean County, New Jersey, but the lack of rain this fall has proven to be a challenge.
There have been some evacuations of homes, but those residents were allowed back Thursday morning.
The New Jersey Forest Service is working overtime this fall stretching lines, digging trenches, and using every bit of people's power available to contain the fire.
The blaze in the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, dubbed the Shotgun Fire, has torched some 300 acres and has been burning since Wednesday afternoon.
At one point, 25 structures were threatened. This area has a combination of homes and sizable farms with animals.
Six homes on Stump Tavern Road were evacuated.
Residents have been allowed back home, but are still on edge. Others are worried because the smoke is thick and ash is everywhere, but they had little warning.
As for conditions, this could be the worst fire season ever because it has been so dry.
The lack of rain, leaves falling, stressed trees, and wind gusts are all elements making this fire and others so challenging.
The fire is 40% contained.
The cause is under investigation. But in most cases, these fires are caused by human behavior -- that could be tossing a cigarette butt or sparks from a lawn mower.
Meanwhile, crews in several other parts of New Jersey were separate wildfires.
There were reports of a brush fire in Englewood Cliffs, just north of the George Washington Bridge. One lane of the Palisades Parkway has been closed as a result.
In Burlington County, fire crews are also battling another large wildfire.
That fire is burning in Evesham Township in the area of Kettle Run Road and Sycamore Ave. Evesham police say Kettle Run Road is closed between Braddock Mill Road and Hopewell Road.
A total of 104 structures are threatened. Officials said Thursday night that all evacuation orders have been lifted as they begin to make progress on the fire.
As of Thursday night, 300 acres have been affected and the fire is 50% contained.
And in Glassboro, New Jersey, crews are also battling a wildfire. Video showed large plums of smoke emanating from the area.
The fire is burning 133 acres and is just 35% contained.
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