OCEAN COUNTY – Numerous fire fighting units are combating a large fire within the border of Lakewood and Brick Townships. The fire has caused the evacuation of stores along Route 70.
Brick Police Sgt. Jim Kelly reported to Jersey Shore Online that drivers should avoid that area. “Traffic is backed up and only getting worse.”
The afternoon brush fire is located around mile marker 89 near Airport Road and Cedarbridge Avenue according to authorities. It started around 2:30 p.m. today
The multi-alarm fire has caused the Garden State Parkway’s closure in both directions of Exit 82 to 91.
The store closures began around 4 p.m. according to Brick Police. Lakewood Police have reported that the fire has spread to two structures on Airport Road close to Cedarbridge Avenue.
No injuries were reported since 4 p.m. today. Local fire units as well as state forest fighters are working to extinguish the blaze.
Strong winds of around 40 miles per hour and low humidity around 20% are making it difficult for firefighters to battle the blaze. Heavy smoke is visible around the area.
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly issued a “red flag warning” regarding the conditions around the region which are believed to continue into tomorrow.
New Jersey’s rainfall has been low since the beginning of the month according to AccuWeather meteorologist Matt Greene. The state saw temperatures up to 60 degrees until Friday.
