There is an increased risk for rapid fire spread this afternoon across portions of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.”

Firefighters are making progress with the wildfire in the Pine Barrens section of southern Ocean County. Some 50% of the fire has been contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Wednesday afternoon.

Officials also said during a Wednesday update that this could end up being the largest wildfire in New Jersey in 20 years.

Authorities say a man set wooden pallets on fire and failed to properly put them out in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, sparking a quick-moving wildfire with smoke affecting the air quality in the New York City area.

The wildfire burned acreage was put at 15,200 in the Pine Barrens, officials said. Court records show the suspect had a prior charge involving an open fire. TOMS RIVER — A Waretown man has been charged with aggravated arson in connection with the wildfire that has spread throughout southern Ocean County,