An overnight wildfire in central New Jersey caused widespread evacuations and traffic closures. Firefighters were still working tirelessly on Wednesday morning to get the blaze under control.
2023 NJ Wildfire
As of early Wednesday, April 12, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that the Jimmy's Waterhole fire in Manchester Township, Ocean County, roughly 50 miles east of Philadelphia, had burned 2,500 acres of federal, state, and private land.
According to recent census estimates, around 45,000 people live in Manchester Township.
By early Wednesday, the fire had burned through around 10% of its original area. According to a local CBS news report, the situation forced the evacuation of 170 residents. Authorities have also shut down stretches of Route 539 and Route 70, which connects Philadelphia to the east coast.
The Forest Fire Service first notified the public about the fire on Tuesday evening, April 11. Officials estimated 500 acres burned within hours, and they had started a backfiring operation to try to put the fire out. As of early Wednesday, the fire had consumed about 2,500 acres.
The Mount Holly office of the National Weather Service predicted that Wednesday would be a difficult day for firefighters trying to contain the flames. The forecast calls for more warm, dry, and windy weather. It is expected to rain during the weekend.
Throughout New Jersey, dangerous fire weather conditions were being closely monitored.
It was not immediately apparent what ignited the fire or whether it may spread to other neighborhoods. This week, fortunately, students in the Manchester Township School District do not have classes because of spring break.
Wildfire Season Requires Caution
According to The New York Times, the New Jersey wildfire season often reaches its height in April. Each year, over 1,500 forest fires in the state cause damage or destruction to about 7,000 acres of forest land.
According to authorities, much of central and southern New Jersey is at high risk for fires, while areas in the northern part of the state are in extremely great danger.
In June of last year, the Mullica River fire in Wharton State Forest in southern New Jersey burned approximately 15,000 acres, making it the biggest wildfire in the state since 2007. Lightning and other natural causes were ruled out by officials, who instead pointed to an illegal campfire near the blaze's origin as the reason.
Wildfires in the West are becoming bigger and more destructive, and their seasons are getting longer due to climate change. New evidence suggests that the rise may mostly be attributed to the heat and dryness brought on by global warming.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there have been over 7,700 wildfires in the US, consuming over 123,000 acres between January and March. This is much lower than the 10-year average of over 9,800 wildfires and almost 487,000 acres burned.
