A rapidly advancing wildfire in New Jersey's Pine Barrens has consumed 3,200 acres, leading to the evacuation of 3,000 residents and the closure of a significant section of the Garden State Parkway. The fire poses a threat to over 1,320 structures and has sparked smaller blazes near the decommissioned Oyster Creek nuclear power plant. Officials assure the public that the plant's secure cask storage of nuclear material is safe from the fire. Despite extensive firefighting efforts involving 130 firefighters, helicopters, and air tankers, the blaze is only 5% contained. The fire's cause remains under investigation as the area struggles with drought conditions, exacerbating the risk of such wildfires.

The wildfire in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey has spread rapidly to cover 3,200 acres, causing significant disruptions, including the evacuation of 3,000 residents and the closure of a 17-mile stretch of the Garden State Parkway.

The fire threatens approximately 1,320 structures and has crossed the parkway, igniting smaller fires near the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant, although officials claim the nuclear material stored there is secure.

Efforts to combat the fire include 130 firefighters, state radiation monitoring officials, and the deployment of helicopters and air tankers capable of dropping large volumes of water.

The blaze, which began Tuesday morning, is currently only 5% contained, and authorities have not provided an estimate for when it might be under control.

The fire's origin is under investigation, and its spread is exacerbated by the region's severe drought conditions, which have heightened the risk of wildfires across South Jersey.