JACKSON – The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and many local firefighting agencies are continuing to combat a wildfire dubbed the Glory fire that was reported this afternoon near East Commodore Boulevard and Cedar Swamp Road. Firefighters are also combatting a blaze near Beckerville Road and sections of Manchester Township.
At least 50 acres are impacted as of press time and officials stated during a press conference that 30 structures were threatened. Local fire companies responded and set up structure protection to keep homes and other buildings safe.
The Forest Fire Service said at the time there were no mandatory evacuations and no injuries reported. Monmouth and Ocean county fire companies are fighting the fire, while monitoring changes in wind direction and the course of the blaze.
Officials reported several closures in the area. Exit 21 on Interstate 195 was closed as was East Commodore Boulevard between Cedar Swamp Road and Jackson Mills Road. Cedar Swamp Road is closed between East Commodore Boulevard and Jackson Mills Road. Jackson Mills Road is closed between East Commodore Boulevard and Cedar Swamp Road.
According to a statement by authorities, “Forest Fire Service crews will utilize a backfiring operation to protect surrounding homes and burn fuel ahead of the main body of fire. Additionally, crews are constructing containment lines around the structures threatened.”
Fire restrictions were increased noting “Red Flag conditions” which take into account various weather impacts like the dry conditions from the last several weeks around the state.
Officials reported Stage 3 restrictions in place for northern and central New Jersey. This means that no fires of any kind are permitted while Stage 2 restrictions are in place for southern New Jersey. This means all fires in wooded areas will be prohibited unless they are in an elevated prepared fireplace.
It was expressed by fire officials during the press conference that no significant rain fall had occurred in 23 days. There were some fires in the northern part of the state as well and that the one in Jackson is hoped to be contained by morning. It was also stated that a 30% increase in fire activity was noted in the state so far this year.
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