Massive N.J. fires expected to burn through the night

Arson units, fire marshals, several local fire departments and the State of New Jersey Forest Fire Service have all responded to a massive, 300-acre brush fire in the Jersey Shore area of central New Jersey, according to the Ocean County, N.J., Prosecutor's Office.

The agency is involved in the response to provide information to the public, but not necessarily as an investigatory agency, Capt. Jack Sramaty of the prosecutor's office said.

"Until there's a cause of origin, then we would get involved," Sramaty said.

Authorities evacuated two schools and several homes earlier Thursday, according to Fox News. There have been no reports of injuries.

The sheriff's Facebook page posted at about 7 p.m. that another forest fire had started near the Berkeley Township, N.J., police headquarters. "Please stay away from this area!!!!" the page implored.

At 7:45 p.m., authorities told some residents that they could return home, Berkeley Police Chief Karin DiMichele said.

Authorities set up a temporary shelter at two public libraries in Ocean County, but also warned residents they should view these sites as temporary and find longer term shelter elsewhere because neither facility is set up to house people overnight.

Authorities said they had the blaze about 80% contained.

"The fire is going to continue to burn tonight, for sure," Bill Edwards, New Jersey forest fire warden, told the Asbury Park Press.

Firefighters held back from deeming the brush fires under control.

"Under control means there's no risk of the fire escaping," Russ Fenton, acting assistant division fire warden, told the Asbury Park Press.