A massive wildfire rages through Ocean County, New Jersey, forcing thousands to evacuate as firefighters battle to gain control of the rapidly spreading blaze that has already consumed over 3,200 acres of forest.
At a Glance
- The Jones Road Wildfire has burned more than 3,200 acres in Ocean County, New Jersey with only 5% containment
- Approximately 3,000 residents have been evacuated with 1,300 structures threatened
- A 17-mile section of the Garden State Parkway was closed near Waretown due to the fire
- Over 13,000 JCP&L customers in Barnegat and Waretown lost power
- Firefighting efforts include engines, bulldozers, ground crews, helicopters, and an air tanker
Wildfire Erupts in Ocean County
A devastating wildfire erupted Tuesday in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens region, rapidly growing to over 3,200 acres and threatening communities along the shore. The Jones Road Wildfire ignited in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near the Barnegat-Waretown boundary and has since moved northward into Lacey Township. The blaze expanded by approximately 2,000 acres in a single afternoon, demonstrating the dangerous conditions fueling its spread. As of Tuesday night, firefighters had achieved only 5% containment despite extensive efforts.
The fire’s rapid expansion prompted officials to close approximately 17 miles of the Garden State Parkway, a major north-south highway in the state. Several other roads have been impacted, including portions of Route 9 and Route 532, further complicating evacuation efforts and emergency response. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has labeled the situation a major wildfire event, deploying significant resources to combat the flames spreading through the drought-dried forest.
Evacuations and Impact on Residents
Mandatory evacuation orders have forced approximately 3,000 residents from their homes as the wildfire threatens an estimated 1,320 structures. Authorities established evacuation centers including Southern Regional High School, which is equipped to accommodate evacuees with pets. The evacuation zones span multiple communities, with both mandatory and voluntary evacuation notices affecting residents in Waretown, Barnegat, and Lacey Township. Officials continue to expand evacuation zones as the fire progresses.
The wildfire has caused significant disruption to utility services in the affected communities. More than 13,000 JCP&L customers in Barnegat and Waretown lost electrical power as the fire damaged transmission infrastructure. Emergency management officials are working with utility companies to assess damage and restore services where safe to do so, though many areas remain inaccessible due to active fire conditions and ongoing firefighting operations.
Firefighting Efforts and Conditions
An extensive firefighting operation is underway, drawing resources from multiple communities throughout the region. The firefighting arsenal includes fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews, helicopters, and an air tanker working in coordination to establish fire breaks and prevent the blaze from reaching additional populated areas. Fire crews are battling challenging conditions, including dry vegetation and shifting winds that have complicated containment efforts.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service noted that fire danger remains high throughout the southern part of the state, with dry conditions creating ideal circumstances for wildfire spread. The agency reports that on average, New Jersey experiences approximately 1,500 wildfires annually, which damage or destroy around 7,000 acres of forest. The Jones Road Wildfire already represents a significant percentage of the state’s typical annual fire damage, highlighting the severity of the current situation.
Investigation and Outlook
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the Jones Road Wildfire, which began in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area. While the specific origin remains undetermined, officials are examining all possibilities. The investigation will assess whether human activity or natural causes sparked the blaze, with findings potentially informing future fire prevention strategies in the region’s vulnerable Pine Barrens ecosystem.
Weather forecasts and containment progress will determine when evacuated residents may return to their homes. Fire officials continue to monitor conditions and adjust their strategies accordingly, with updates expected as the situation evolves. The Garden State Parkway and other closed roads will remain shuttered until authorities determine it is safe for traffic to resume. Residents are advised to monitor emergency management communications for the latest evacuation information and road closures.
