An unprecedented April wildfire has burned over 15,000 acres of Pine Barrens forest in southern New Jersey, fueled by drought conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds that forecasters say mirror western US fire weather.

Evacuations

Over 5,000 residents have been evacuated from communities in Burlington and Ocean counties. Three hundred firefighters and 5 aerial tankers are battling the blaze, which is only 20% contained.

Climate Connection

Fire scientists point to the Northeast's driest spring in 30 years as evidence that wildfire risk is expanding well beyond traditional fire-prone western states.