Properties Damaged By Unusual New Jersey Forest Fire

The forest fire that burned 170 acres, damaged homes and critically injured a firefighter in New Jersey is 100% contained, according to officials.

The fire started in Lakewood on Sunday afternoon, damaging homes in Brick Lake Park and temporarily shutting down parts of the Garden State Parkway and several highways. A stretch of Route 70 remained closed Monday morning.

The fire’s origin has been identified, authorities said, although they have not revealed details, except to rule out that it was part of a prescribed burn. Mop-up efforts were expected to continue into the evening.

A New Jersey Forest Fire Service firefighter was sent to a nearby hospital Sunday and was in critical but stable condition, authorities said. No additional details were released at a Monday news conference.