TOMS RIVER, NJ – If you live in the Central Ocean County area, you might have gone to bed smelling smoke, or perhaps waking up to the scent of smoke from a fire.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has confirmed overnight that a wildfire continues to burn in Berkeley Township, Ocean County, with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service actively working to contain the blaze. The fire, located in the area of Northern Blvd, remains 0% contained as of Tuesday morning.
Smoke could be seen as far away as Jackson Monday night as the fire continued to grow.
Firefighters initially struggled to control the fire due to unpredictable fire behavior, according to officials. Crews are now preparing and reinforcing fire lines, using backfire and burnout operations in their containment strategy.
No structures are currently threatened by the wildfire. Additionally, no road closures have been reported in the area.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The next update is expected at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.