JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – Firefighters are battling a forest fire in the northern section of Jackson Township, causing heavy smoke conditions and road closures tonight.
The fire is in the wildland-urban interface in the vicinity of East Commodore Boulevard and Cedar Swamp Road.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and Jackson fire departments are on scene in an attempt to bring the blaze under control.
The fire, which has already consumed 30 acres of land, remains uncontained, posing a threat to the surrounding area.
Forest Fire Service crews are employing a backfiring operation in a bid to safeguard nearby residences and preemptively burn potential fuel sources ahead of the advancing firefront. This operation is expected to persist throughout the night. Furthermore, crews are working to construct a containment line around the imperiled buildings, fortifying their defense against the encroaching flames.
In response to the escalating danger, road closures have been implemented to ensure public safety. East Commodore Boulevard, Cedar Swamp Road, and Jackson Mills Road are all temporarily shut down. Authorities urge residents and motorists to avoid the affected area until further notice.
30 structures in the area are deemed at risk at this time.