Barnegat-Area Forest Fire Spreads At 'Rapid Rate': Officials

BARNEGAT, N.J. — A forest fire broke out in the Barnegat area Saturday, according to the Ocean County Sheriff's Office. Crews have reported a rapid rate of spread, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. It has grown to over 1,000 acres, according to 6ABC.

Route 72 and Route 539 are closed west of the parkway, officials said at 7:53 p.m. The OSCO reported the forest fire was ongoing and had heavy smoke conditions at that time.

Smoke from the fire is blowing northward and can be seen as far as Monmouth County, the OSCO said.

The OCSO reported a forest fire around Barnegat in Burlington County at about 3:25 p.m. Low-flying helicopters and fire personnel are closely monitoring the fire, the OSCO said. The OSCO sent an update at about 4:40 p.m. that the fire is still active.

There is no threat to private properties at this time, the Asbury Park Press reported.

See videos of the fire below:

This is a developing story. Patch will update as more information comes in.

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