A fast-moving wildfire has burned more than 8,500 acres (3,440 hectares) in the southern part of the US state of New Jersey since it broke out Tuesday, prompting mass evacuations and a state of emergency.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the blaze is burning in Ocean and Lacey townships, along the state’s southern shore.

Several evacuation orders have been issued, with nearby communities under evacuation warnings.

As of 10 p.m. local time Tuesday 0200GMT Wednesday), the fire was only 10% contained, according to fire officials.

The Forest Fire Service wrote on X that "1,320 structures threatened, 3,000 residents evacuated.”

Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency in Ocean County due to what officials identified as the Jones Road Wildfire, located in the Greenwood Forest Wildfire Management Area.

"At this time, we have no loss of life and no homes have been harmed," said Way.

Early Wednesday, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management announced evacuation orders had been lifted.

"Ocean County Residents: All evacuation orders have been lifted, and it is safe to return to your homes," it said.

The Lakewood Scoop, a local media outlet, reported late Tuesday that flames had reached buildings on the campus of the decommissioned Oyster Creek nuclear power plant.