Even in the context of a busy news week, I'm amazed that this madness out of New Jersey hasn't gotten more airtime:
[Warning: Language]
A wildfire in New Jersey exploded to 13,250 acres after igniting Tuesday in Ocean County and threatening more than 1,000 structures, shutting down a major highway and causing thousands of people to flee the flames.
By Wednesday afternoon, officials said firefighters were gaining the upper hand on the blaze. The Jones Road Wildfire was 50% contained as of 7 p.m. ET, according to New Jersey Forest Fire Service officials.
State Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn LaTourette "said fire officials expect the blaze to grow and that it could turn out to be the largest wildfire in New Jersey in 20 years."
Around 100 firefighters were reportedly battling the blaze. It has been propelled by "wind gusts, dry vegetation and low relative humidity."
As for why it started, well, a 19-year-old local was charged Thursday with arson. Joseph Kling allegedly lit pallets of wood on fire for funsies and then left the area without extinguishing the flames.
Thousands of residents have been evacuated from their homes in response to the blaze, though many have been allowed to return.
Crazy. Hope they get it under control.
P.S. Now check out our latest video 👇
