Firefighters are making progress with the wildfire in the Pine Barrens section of southern Ocean County. Some 50% of the fire has been contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Wednesday afternoon. But the destruction has only grown. What the forest fire service is calling the Jones Road Wildfire has consumed some 13,500 acres.

CHATSWORTH, N.J. (AP) — A fast-moving wildfire engulfing part of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens has not resulted in any injuries, officials said, though it’s expected to grow before forecast rain later this week.

The Jones Road Wildfire had spread to 11,500 acres in less than 24 hours as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday and was 30% contained, the New Jersey Fire Service said in a post on X. It was no longer threatening populated areas.

A wildfire in New Jersey exploded to 13,250 acres after igniting Tuesday in Ocean County and threatening more than 1,000 structures, shutting down a major highway and causing thousands of people to flee the flames.