[UPDATE POSTED BELOW] 12:40PM EST: A large brush fire is currently burning in Lakewood, and the smell of smoke can be smelled throughout the town.

The fire started in the forest behind Target, just between the Lakewood / Brick borders.

Numerous FD’s are enroute, and are staging in the area – although they are not yet beginning to fight the large blaze. The reason is, that there are high-voltage wires which have collapsed (possibly the cause of the fire), and gas lines in the area. The FD is awaiting for power and gas to be shut down.

Meanwhile, YWN reporters live on the scene report that flames can be seen on the Garden State Parkway from MM81 to MM88.

As of this posting, the GSP remains open for traffic, although this may change shortly.

UPDATE 3:00PM EST: The large brush fire is now under control, fire officials told the Asbury Park Press.

All news choppers were evacuated from the scene, and airplanes were utilized in dousing the flames with water.

Exit 89 from the southbound lanes has been shut down, said State Police Sgt. Stephen Jones. The right lane in the southbound side of the highway is also closed between mile markers 88 and 89.

(Dov Gordon -YWN / YW-50 / YW-112)