Firefighters from all 6 stations in Toms River Responded to Beachwood and Bayville for 2 separate Forest Fires. Ocean Signal by Phil StiltonBERKELEY TWP-A brush fire which originated in the area of Pinewald Road in Beachwood has expanded to encompass approximately 300 acres in Beachwood and Berkeley Township.According to the Berkeley Township Police Department the fire continues to burn in the area of Grand Central Parkway and Northern Blvd.Fire Fighters from multiple departments from all over the state continue battle the fire.The blaze which started at 1142 AM near the intersection of Grand Central Pkwy and Berkeley Ave is estimated at 300 Acres. Currently several homes sustained some damage but were not total losses.No injures have been reported. High wind low humidity and dry forest have made this a class 5 fire which is the most dangerous type the department said. Evacuations in the area of the fire have been conducted. The Berkeley Township Police Department along with the Ocean County Sheriffs Department have notified the impacted area and are standing by to assist. Current evacuation along the area of Continental Ave and surrounding streets are being done as a precaution due to back fires and shifting winds. At this time the fire is still officially active and not contained . Heavy Smoke conditions in the area may exist for the near future.The fire prompted an evacuation of nearby Intermediate South.At the request of the Ocean County Sheriffs Department due to a fire in the area all students from Intermediate South are being evacuated to the Pine Belt Arena said District Communications Officer Tammi Millar.All students were safe and were released from the Pine Belt Arena at approximately 2 p.m. to their normal bus stops.
