FORKED RIVER, N.J. — April 22nd — As the massive forest fire that burnt over 15,000 acres in Ocean County near Forked River and Waretown came to a one-year anniversary, members of the Forked River Fire Department joined local responders and neighbors in reflecting. As local fire departments, EMS agencies, law enforcement, and state forest fire teams worked extended operations to protect homes and businesses, the blaze threatened neighborhoods and forced evacuations.

Only one building was damaged during the incident, according to officials, and there were no significant injuries. Coordination between organizations across Ocean County was necessary because the fire is still one of the biggest wildfire responses in the area in recent years.