Odor of Smoke Envelopes Brick, I-195 Exit Closed for Uncontained Wildfire

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A strong odor of smoke began enveloping portions of Brick Township Tuesday night, as a wildfire in Jackson Township continued to grow, uncontrolled.

The state Forest Fire Service described the blaze as a “a wildland-urban interface wildfire burning in the area of East Commodore Boulevard and Cedar Swamp Road in Jackson Township.”

A wildfire in Jackson Township. (Photo: Screenshot/Instagram/Jersey Shore Fire Response)

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The smell of smoke became more apparent throughout the late afternoon and evening in many parts of the township as the fire grew to cover about 50 acres and the wind direction began bringing smoke eastward. State authorities closed interchange 21 on I-195. The Forest Fire Service reported the blaze as being “zero percent” contained as of 10 p.m.

“The Forest Fire Service hopes to contain the fire between East Commodore Boulevard, Cedar Swamp Road and Jackson Mills Road,” the agency said.

There are currently 30 structures threatened, all in Jackson, which are being protected by local fire companies. There are no mandatory evacuations in place in the area.

“Forest Fire Service crews are utilizing a backfiring operation to protect surrounding homes and burn fuel ahead of the main body of fire,” a statement said. “This operation will be ongoing throughout the night.”