Update as of 4:30 a.m. –
Lakehurst Police: All residents can return home. NJ Forest Fire advised it is safe to return. Thank you all for your cooperation.
Update as of 1:38 a.m. –
WILDFIRE UPDATE: Manchester Township – Jimmy’s Waterhole Fire
There have been significant updates to the wildfire burning in Manchester Township on federal, state and private property.
The fire has grown to 2,500 acres and is 10% contained.
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in Lakehurst from Division St. to Route 70, Horicon Ave, and Beckerville Road. Approximately 170 structures were evacuated in Manchester and Lakehurst.
75 structures are threatened.
Residents evacuated have been relocated to the Manchester Township High School and are being supported by the American Red Cross, Manchester Township EMS, Manchester Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.
ROAD CLOSURES
Route 539 is closed from Route 70 to Long Swamp Road.
Route 70 is closed Lakehurst Circle to Beckerville West Road.
Horicon Ave is closed.
Beckerville East Road and Beckerville West Road are closed.
Backfiring operations continue by Forest Fire Service personnel. Structure protection is being provided by local volunteer fire departments.
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Update at 11 p.m. – Lakehurst residents between Division Street and Myrtle Avenue have been ordered to evacuate immediately according to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office
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OCEAN COUNTY – The smell of smoke continues to permeate around Ocean County Tuesday night as a wildfire burns in Manchester Township. The flames were large enough to be seen on drone footage in Toms River Township.
The blaze has forced authorities to shut down Route 539 in the area of Route 70 and Long Swamp Road. Horicon Avenue also closed at Route 70.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is on the scene along with other fire crews working to extinguish the blaze.
According to officials, the blaze has reached 500 acres in size and is about 10% contained as of 10 p.m.
Forest Fire Service crews have begun a backfiring operation to aide in containment.
25 structures are threatened. Structure protection is being provided by local volunteer fire departments from Ocean County.
The public is urged to stay away from the area.
This is a developing story and we will update it as we get additional details.
