Evacuations ordered as New Jersey wildfire spreads over 8,500 acres, officials say

An uncontained wildfire has spread more than 8,500 acres in central New Jersey, prompting evacuations for thousands.

The unnamed blaze was first reported shortly after 10 a.m. local time and has since spread in the Pine Barrens area of southern Ocean County, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The fire was only 10% contained as of 7 p.m. ET.

The fire threatens more than 1,320 structures, leading to authorities decision to order evacuations for more than 3,000 residents, the service confirmed.

Officials have also closed the Garden State Parkway roadway in response to the fire as well as Wells Mills County Park.

More than 13,000 people are without power in the town of Barnegat and the community of Waretown, according to Jersey Central Power & Light. The Barnegat Township Police Department reported that the electricity provider cut the power along the parkway.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and damage assessments are underway, the service reported.

Sunset Fire map

Contributing: Ken Serrano and Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press

This story was updated to add newer information and video.