N.J. Forest Fire Chars 7,000 Acres; 400 Are Evacuated
A forest fire that began on state land in southeastern New Jersey spread quickly over 7,000 acres Tuesday, forcing several hundred people to flee their homes.
Workers at Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River took home about 45 cats, dogs and birds. An elephant, two lions, three bears, four ponies and other animals were left behind with a promise that firefighters would try to protect them.
The fire began in the Greenwood Forest Fish and Wildlife Management Area in Ocean County and was pushed by winds gusting to more than 50 m.p.h.
No damage to homes and no injuries were reported by late afternoon. About 400 people had been evacuated from Manchester Township and the Bamber Lake area, officials said.
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