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
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.
Photo by Denise Maynard
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.
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