Wildfire in Jackson, New Jersey, leads to several evacuations
Several buildings have been evacuated in Jackson Township on Wednesday after a wildfire broke out, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.
Firefighters are working on a backfiring operation, getting ahead of the fire's path to slow its advance and help contain the blaze, NJFFS said on social media. The fire was reported around 12:30 p.m.
Known as the "Shotgun Wildfire," fire officials said in an update Wednesday night that 175 acres were burned and 20% of the fire was contained.
NJFFS said Stump Tavern Road is closed from Route 571 to Route 528.
The wildfire is projected to be contained at approximately 300 acres, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly told CBS News Philadelphia. Donnelly said the higher winds made it worse.
The blaze threatened 25 structures, and six homes were evacuated on the west side of Stump Tavern Road, officials said.
Fire engines, bulldozers and ground crews were on the scene.
The fire comes on a day of "very high" fire danger in the state, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Burn restrictions were in effect across the state.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
