State of Emergency Declared as New Jersey Wildfire Escalates
A massive wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey has exploded to 12,000 acres, prompting a state of emergency and forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. As officials warn that the flames may continue to rage for days, evacuation orders have been issued for approximately 3,000 residents. The wildfire is expected to become one of the largest in New Jersey in two decades, with concerns over smoky air quality impacting the surrounding Tri-State area. Crews are currently battling the flames, and while some evacuation orders have been lifted, the situation remains critical. Power outages have also been reported due to the inferno, with smoke visible on radar. As the state braces for further developments, officials urge 70,000 people to stay indoors to avoid exposure to hazardous air.
ABC News, NBC10 Philadelphia, The Guardian, ABC7 New York, News 12 - New Jersey, Asbury Park Press, the-independent.com, BBC, Press of Atlantic City, CNN