Homes were evacuated as a wildfire broke out in Ocean County

Officials say 15 buildings are being evacuated in Jackson Wednesday afternoon after a multi-acre wildfire broke out.

A total of 25 buildings in the area of ​​South Stump Tavern Road were threatened by fire, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said around 1:30 p.m

It is 0% contained but is expected to contain 300 acres.

Crew members burn fuel in the path of the fire to slow and contain it – a process known as “backfire,” officials said.

South Stump Tavern Road, which contains mostly widely spaced single-family homes, is closed. Fire trucks and bulldozers were deployed in the area, the state forest fire department said.

Evacuated residents who need shelter can go to the community's senior center on Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson police said.

There is a slight chance of rain in the Jackson area Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, but overall dry conditions are expected for the coming day, the National Weather Service said.

There has been no significant rain in the state for more than a month.

There have been several wildfires in New Jersey in recent weeks. All are mostly included.