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A large wildfire in southern New Jersey burned over 8,500 acres on Tuesday, prompting over 3,000 evacuations and a temporary closure of part of the Garden State Parkway. Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency for Ocean County. While no injuries or home damage were reported, some businesses were lost. Evacuation orders were lifted Wednesday morning as conditions improved, and the Parkway reopened. Power outages affected thousands, and air quality advisories were issued due to smoke. The fire's cause is under investigation, and the state is under a drought warning.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.