LAKEWOOD, N.J. (WCBS 880) — A New Jersey Forest Fire Service firefighter is in critical but stable condition after being injured while battling a large wind-whipped brush fire in Ocean County.
Hundreds of homes and businesses were evacuated in Lakewood and Brick Township on Sunday as the fire burned about 170 acres.
A stretch of the Garden State Parkway near exit 89 was also closed for hours due to smoke from the fire.
Videos from the scene showed large columns of thick, dark smoke and raging flames igniting trees and brush.
Residents have started returning to their homes to assess the damage.
"Look at the burnt mark on my front lawn, look at the burnt mark on my backyard, it got like 10 feet away from my house. It was really bad, it was scary, now I know how the people feel in California," one resident said. "If you went behind my neighbor's house it came right up to his metal fence in his backyard. It looks like a disaster area."
Pockets of fire were still burning Monday. A red flag fire warning remains in effect as dry, windy conditions remain favorable for wildfires in New Jersey.
Officials say two commercial buildings were destroyed and dozens of homes or sheds sustained some damage.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the origin has been identified and the cause is under investigation.
A prescribed burn was not believed to be responsible.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow WCBS Newsradio 880
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram