The fire broke out around 3 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of East Commodore Boulevard and Cedar Swamp Road in Jackson. It had spread to 50 acres by 9:30 p.m. and threatened 30 houses and structures, according to authorities.
Although the wildfire had spread to 70 acres Wednesday, New Jersey Forest Fire Service officials said the flames were 70% contained and only 15 nearby structures remained in danger after firefighters made “substantial progress overnight.” Road closures remain on East Commodore Boulevard, Cedar Swamp Road and Jackson Mills Road. Exit 21 on I-195 is also shut down, officials said.
The Ocean County wildfire is contributing to the poor air quality in the area, while much of New Jersey is covered in smoke and haze due to the