Ms. Hughes, who lives at the shelter with her 2-year-old son, Emejanu, said few residents packed their bags when told of the eviction threat.

The blackout left usually bustling buildings dark and quiet, with some residents packing suitcases and leaving for the night.

More than 200 residents packed the assembly room at Town Hall, raising concerns that included tax revenues and traffic.

Alumni and residents from both towns packed Manasquan's field.

Fears of disease began surfacing Tuesday as displaced residents packed into makeshift tents set up by local communities.

The fire had been threatening the area for several days, and many residents had already packed.

Indeed, local residents regularly pack village council meetings to convince politicians not to pave certain roads or throw open the region to mass tourism.

But residents concerned about traffic packed a public meeting and persuaded town officials to reject the application.

A resident will pack a bag, say goodbye to friends, and ride to the emergency room in a counselor's car.

Over the next few months, all 221 residents of Cheshire will pack up and leave.