() — Dozens of buildings were evacuated as a fast-moving wildfire ripping through southern New Jersey swelled to 2,500 acres overnight and continues to threaten structures, authorities said.
The blaze, dubbed Jimmy’s Waterhole Fire, grew to five times its size in about four hours after breaking out in Manchester Township on Tuesday, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Shortly before 10 p.m., it was at 202 hectares and 10% contained. Around 2 am this Wednesday, the flames had shot up to 1,011 hectares while the containment remained at 10%, according to shows tweets of the forest fire service.
The fire is burning primarily on federal, state and private property in Manchester Township, but has spread to the nearby Lakehurst district of New Jersey.
Around 170 buildings have been evacuated so far and at least 75 more are still at risk from the fire, the forest fire service said.
The evacuated residents were housed at Manchester Township Secondary School and are assisted by local agencies.
“Unfortunately, the weather will not provide much help today (for this Wednesday). Warmer, drier and windier conditions are expected. The next chance for rain is the weekend.” said the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey.
There is an elevated risk of a wildfire spreading across New Jersey and Delaware this Wednesday, with sustained winds of up to 15 mph and gusts of up to 25 mph expected. Low humidity and dry fuels also contribute to risk.
In addition to the evacuations, there are increasing road closures in the area, including parts of Route 539 and Route 70, authorities said.
– Meteorologist Monica Garrett contributed to this report.
