A large brush fire in Lakewood Sunday tore through parts of Ocean County, shutting down the Garden State Parkway in both directions near Exit 89 for several hours.

The fire that started along Airport Road was escalated by the high winds and jumped across the parkway, forcing its shutdown. Residents were evacuated from their homes as first responders battled the flames from the ground and in the air. 

“This fire jumped up really quick and went because we're very dry right now and there's high wind,” says Ray Bukowski, assistant commissioner of history and natural resources.

Several homes in Brick were heavily damaged.  

One firefighter was also injured and is listed in stable condition.  

Police remain on site at 150 Airport Road, which is an industrial park area. There was apparently damage to some of the buildings.