CHATSWORTH, New Jersey – A raging wildfire in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens has prompted the evacuation of over 3,000 residents and threatened more than 1,300 structures. The blaze, known as the Jones Road Fire, has scorched approximately 13 square miles of land.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service announced on Wednesday that evacuation orders were lifted, providing some relief for residents who had been forced to flee their homes. Shelters were made available at local high schools by the Barnegat Police Department to assist those affected by the wildfire.

The Garden State Parkway, a vital highway in New Jersey, was closed for a period of time but has since reopened after a 7-mile stretch was shut down due to the fire. The fire service is expected to provide updates on the situation at a news conference later in the day.

Forest fires are a common threat in the Pine Barrens, a vast reserve protected by the state and federal government. The region’s sandy soil, combined with low humidity and windy conditions, creates a perfect storm for wildfires, especially during peak fire season when trees are still budding new leaves.

Despite recent rain, the area had experienced a severe drought, exacerbating the fire risk and prompting the power company to cut electricity to 25,000 customers as a precautionary measure. The fire in Ocean and Lacey Townships is only 10% contained as of Tuesday night, with the cause still under investigation.

Residents like Debi Schaffer have been impacted by the wildfire, with many forced to evacuate their homes amidst the chaos. Schaffer found herself stuck in traffic with her dogs, while her husband stayed behind to care for their chickens. The challenging conditions of smoke, sirens, and helicopters have created a war zone-like environment for those in the vicinity.

As firefighters continue to battle the blaze, concerns remain high for the safety of both residents and wildlife in the affected areas. The proximity of the fire to an alpaca farm has raised alarms, although reports indicate that the animals are currently not in danger.

This wildfire marks the second major forest fire in the region within a week, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating these natural disasters.