FORKED RIVER, NJ — A pole fire forced a full closure of Route 9 early Thursday between Lighthouse Drive and North Main Street in Forked River, halting morning traffic as emergency crews rushed to contain the damage and clear the scene.
Update: Roadway has since been cleared.
The Ocean Township Police Department issued an alert urging drivers to steer clear of the area after the blaze erupted around dawn, causing significant delays in both directions. The fire, centered around a utility pole, prompted immediate safety concerns due to the potential for falling wires and electrical hazards.
Power crews were dispatched to the scene and were working through the morning to assess structural damage and begin repairs. The origin of the fire has not yet been confirmed, though officials noted the pole appeared to have sustained heavy burn damage near overhead wires.
Drivers heading north or south on Route 9 were diverted to alternate local roads, creating a backup on feeder streets during the morning commute. No injuries were reported, but the fire briefly knocked out power to some nearby homes and businesses.
The fire is under investigation by local authorities in coordination with utility providers to determine if electrical failure, weather conditions, or other causes sparked the blaze.
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Key Points
- A utility pole fire shut down Route 9 between Lighthouse Drive and North Main Street in Forked River
- Ocean Township Police urged motorists to avoid the area as emergency and utility crews responded
- The cause of the fire is under investigation, and repairs are ongoing with no injuries reported
The pole fire turned a key Forked River artery into a traffic nightmare just as the morning rush hit full swing.