Massive Wildfire Forces Thousands to Evacuate in New Jersey

Jones Road Wildfire

 A fast-moving wildfire erupted in Ocean County, New Jersey on Tuesday, marking the second major blaze in the region in just four days. Known as the Jones Road Wildfire, this aggressive fire has spread across a staggering 8,500 acres within the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, covering parts of Barnegat, Ocean, and Lacey townships.

---

📍 Fire Breaks Out Amid Dry Conditions

The fire ignited on Tuesday morning and quickly escalated, fueled by dry vegetation and gusty winds. By nightfall, only 10% of the fire had been contained, leaving firefighters scrambling to limit the spread using both ground and aerial resources.

Authorities confirmed that thousands of homes and businesses were under threat, and the fire’s speed caught many off guard.

---

🚨 Evacuations, Closures, and Power Outages

As the fire intensified, emergency officials ordered mandatory evacuations in affected zones, especially around Route 9 in Lacey Township. Over 3,000 residents were forced to evacuate, and nearly 1,320 structures were in danger.

In response, parts of the Garden State Parkway and Route 9 — two crucial roadways — were shut down, causing major disruptions during the evening commute.

Additionally, the fire has affected the local power grid, plunging more than 25,000 customers into darkness.

---

🌫️ Smoke and Ash Blanket the Skies

Residents reported skies turning dark as massive smoke plumes rose over neighborhoods. What initially looked like storm clouds turned out to be thick columns of smoke that could be seen from miles away.

Some neighborhoods experienced ashfall, and health officials issued air quality warnings across Ocean County due to smoke inhalation risks.

Local resident Giana Nicholas shared that what started as mild smoke soon became overwhelming, eventually forcing her family to leave their home.

---

🔍 Wildfire Outpaces Annual Average

While wildfires are not as common in New Jersey as in western states, the area is no stranger to them. This blaze has already exceeded the state’s annual average of forest fires — usually around 7,000 acres burned per year.

The state had already issued a drought warning earlier this month, noting low precipitation levels throughout the winter. With dry conditions and wind gusts between 15 and 25 mph, the wildfire spread rapidly throughout the day.

---

🔥 Firefighting Efforts and What’s Ahead

Firefighting Efforts

Fire crews from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service continue to fight the flames using both aerial and ground units. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

While several commercial properties in an industrial zone suffered damage, most residential structures have been spared so far.

Weather forecasts suggest calmer winds in the coming days, which may help firefighters gain control of the blaze. However, continued dry weather poses an ongoing risk.

---

📢 Stay Alert and Informed

As the situation unfolds, residents are urged to stay updated through official channels and follow evacuation orders promptly. The Jones Road Wildfire is a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can change — and how important community response and awareness truly are.