LAKEWOOD, N.J. (1010 WINS) — One firefighter was seriously injured and dozens of homes were damaged in a brush fire fueled by strong wind gusts that burned about 170 acres in New Jersey, according to officials.
Hundreds of homes and businesses in Lakewood were forced to evacuate as New Jersey firefighters continued to battle a large forest fire overnight and into Monday morning.
Huge brush fire on GSP mm 89 Lakewood NJ pic.twitter.com/3Lf4F1F18q
— Gina (@LFCfromabroad) March 14, 2021
The fire was first reported on Airport Road near the Brick Township border around 1:22 p.m. and had spread south, reaching around 75 acres by 5:30 p.m., according to Lakewood police.
Firefighters from neighboring communities were called to the scene and a helicopter was seen dumping water on the burning brush, which was f.
By 10:30 p.m., the fire had burned up to 170 acres, NJ Forest Fire Services said.
According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, as of early Monday, the flames were 50 percent contained.
As of Sunday night, the blaze had destroyed two mixed-use commercial structures and damaged nearly 30 residential properties, including three that were severely damaged and not habitable, Brick Township Mayor John Ducey said.
A firefighter was also seriously injured and listed in critical condition late Sunday night at an area hospital, officials said.
The origin of the fire had been identified and authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
