April 12, 2023

MANCHESTER, NJ (OCEAN)–The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has made substantial progress in containing a wildfire in Manchester Township on federal, state and private property which has reached 3,859 acres in size and is 50% contained.

20 structures remain threatened.

UPDATE ON EVACUATIONS

All evacuations have been lifted – residents have or are currently returning to their homes.

Last night residents who evacuated were relocated to the Manchester Township High School and were being supported by the American Red Cross, Manchester Township EMS, Manchester Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE

Horicon Ave is closed.

Beckerville East Road and Beckerville West Road are closed.

Route 539 has reopened.

Route 70 has reopened.

While Route 539 and Route 70 have reopened, Forest Fire Service personnel will continue working to improve containment lines along these roads. Please stay vigilant when driving through smoke conditions.

No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Fire Department continues to operate in unified command.

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Please remember, “No Drones in Fire Zones – If YOU fly, WE can’t!” More info:

Did you know that April marks peak wildfire season in New Jersey? Please remember, No Drones in Fire Zones – If YOU fly, WE can’t!

There are serious consequences to flying an unauthorized drone near a wildfire. During a wildfire, our aircraft fly low to the ground, often at the same altitude that a drone would fly. If a drone is detected flying over or near a wildfire, all Forest Fire Service air support will be grounded – hampering suppression and observation efforts.

Please do your part and prevent interfering with wildfire suppression by staying grounded.

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