MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – Firefighters continue to battle the 4,000-acre fire at Jimmy’s Waterhole in Manchester Township today. At this time, the growing fire is 50% contained.
The fire began last night in the area of Jimmy’s Waterhole near Route 539 and Horicon Avenue. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said 25 structures were threatened.
The following roads were closed early this morning: Route 539 is closed from Route 70 to Long Swamp Road. Route 70 is closed from Lakehurst Circle to Beckerville West Road. Horicon Ave is closed. Beckerville East Road and Beckerville West Road are closed.
Route 70 and Route 539 have since reopened.
Overnight firefighters evacuated the area of Division Street in Lakehurst and lodged residents at a nearby high school.
While Route 539 and Route 70 have reopened, Forest Fire Service personnel will continue working to improve containment lines along these roads. Please stay vigilant when driving through smoke conditions.
“Last night the Boro of Lakehurst was hit head on by a large wild fire that had started out in Whiting. Around 10:40 pm the Lakehurst fire department was dispatched to their building for a structural protection detail for Division Rd. At the same time, the north side of Rt 70 was ordered to evacuate due to the incoming conditions. At that time, 6201 was dispatched to cover houses and buildings along Division Rd and 6223 remained at the building and set up a filling station for the fire trucks. Our members and residents are very great full to the NJFFS, along with any and all first responders that came into town to help last night. Everyone went home safe and sound,” the Lakehurst Fire Department reported today.
No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Fire Department continues to operate in unified command.