New Jersey wildfire expected to spread before being contained

The wildfires sweeping through New Jersey’s Pine Barrens region, along the state's southern Atlantic coastline, continue to spread, officials said Wednesday. 

“This is still a very active fire,” said state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, according to The Associated Press. “As we continue to get this under full control, the expectation is that the number of acres will grow and will grow in a place that is unpopulated.”

Roughly 5,000 people have been evacuated since the fires started Tuesday, but no injuries have been reported.

Acting Gov. Tahesha Way has declared a state of emergency. 

Officials said they had contained about 30% of the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.