Massive Jersey Blaze Forces Evacuations, Threatens Hundreds of Structures

500-acre wildfire was only 10% contained, causing manditory evacuations of nearly 170 houses and threatening up to 75 more
Strong winds, dry conditions and warm weather fueled the fast-moving flames through forested Pine Barrens region
No injuries reported yet 20 buildings still at risk; road closures in place around Lakehurst, Manchester and parts of Routes 70 and 539
Fire services from around the state joined the battle, with the governor pledging "every available resource" to get the blaze under control
The cause of the fire remained under investigation as some 99% of wildfires are started by humans, according to fire service statistics
Hundreds of residents evacuated their homes in Ocean County amid warnings the fire could continue spreading for days without significant rain
A State of Emergency was declared, enabling the deployment of 200 National Guard troops to assist and guard the perimeter of the fire
Forecasters warned the favorable conditions for wildfires would continue across the East Coast, with over 20 states under high alert
Properties had so far been spared but the fire was burning in a populated area, raising fears of damage and loss of life if it was not contained
New Jersey's long fire season now extended into early May, with the potential for the blaze to become the state's largest on record if it grew unchecked
Specialized firefighting aircraft were attempting to douse parts of the inferno firefighters could not access, dropping tonnes of water and retardant
The fire raging through the Pinelands Reserve followed a period of drought and was New Jersey's largest in over 50 years, authorities confirmed
Smoke from the blaze was visible across much of the state and air quality alerts told residents to limit time outside due to hazardous pollution levels
There were no forecasts for significant rain over the next week, leaving firefighters preparing for a prolonged battle to surround and extinguish the fire
Residents evacuated from the fire zone were told to prepare for an extended displacement, with their return dependent on the fire being brought under control