LAKEWOOD: OFFICIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE – 23:30 with New Photos! An official report was issued by NJ Forest Fire Service with the information detailed below. Many of you whom incorrectly speculated controlled burns owe the NJFFS an apology; and probably some pizza. Remember to avoid speculation; and learn where to find accurate news reports you can trust.

As of 10:30 p.m. Sunday, the Lakewood area wildfire remains at 170 acres. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (FFS) will continue suppression, patrol and mop-up operations throughout the night and support from local fire companies will be scaled back throughout Sunday night as containment increases. The origin has been identified and the cause is under investigation, though we can state it was not from a prescribed burn as reported inaccurately online.

Two mixed-use professional/commercial structures were destroyed by the fire. While the wildfire came close to residential areas, no homes were substantially damaged though some ancillary structures such as sheds were impacted. Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay away from impacted areas and emergency response activity. Drones of any kind interfere with the fire-fighting effort and are prohibited in the area. Brick Township residents who were evacuated began returning home at 7:00 p.m. Sunday.

A New Jersey Forest Fire Service firefighter is in critical condition at a nearby hospital.

Road closures and reopenings:

  • Garden State Parkway is now reopened. The entrance to Garden State Parkway (north) at Shorrock Street will remain closed until morning re-evaluation.
  • Route 528 has reopened
  • Route 70 (one westbound lane from Cedar Bridge Ave to the Garden State Parkway will remain closed)
  • All other ramps are reopened.

NJFFS #NJForestFireService