Officials say a wildfire that has burned thousands of acres in southern Ocean County and parts of Burlington is about 30 percent contained.

At a news conference Wednesday, the state Forest Fire Service chief said about 13,500 acres have burned along the county border. He said emergency crews worked overnight to contain the fire?s perimeter by setting backfires to burn any brush that could fuel advancing flames.

State Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson said Gov. Jon Corzine?s main concern is protecting properties. About 1,000 firefighters are on the ground fighting the flames. Jackson said Corzine will provide any resources necessary to protect assets.

The wildfire forced the evacuation of at least 2,500 homes near Stafford Township and Barnegat. The Red Cross has set up shelters at two schools in Ocean County.

State police say at least five homes were destroyed by the fire, and at least 15 others were damaged. There have been no reports of deaths or injuries due to the wildfire.

A state forester said the fire began on the Warren Grove Gunnery Range. The range is used for training and practice by the Air National Guard. A spokesman for the New Jersey Air National Guard said a flare dropped from one its F-16s may have started the blaze. Officials said dry conditions and winds gusting to 30 miles per hour contributed to its rapid spread.

The Garden State Parkway near the fire location has been reopened. Meanwhile, officials are hoping the rain Wednesday night will help douse the flames.

Click here for more on the damaged mobile homes.

Click here for more on those residents that didn?t evacuate.

For extended and Chopper 12 footage of the wildfire, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.

Related Information:News 12 New Jersey vClips Wildfire threatens homes in Ocean, Burlington counties