Massive Ocean County, NJ wildfire forces evacuations, threatens thousands of structures

Massive Ocean County, NJ wildfire forces evacuations, threatens thousands of structures

NEW YORK – A rapidly growing wildfire, now known as the Jones Road Wildfire, continues to burn through Ocean and Lacey Townships in New Jersey, prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents. As of the latest update, the fire is only 10% contained and threatens more than 1,300 structures.

Incident Overview:

The wildfire, first reported by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service at approximately 12:22 p.m. on Tuesday, originated in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, roughly 80 miles south of New York City. As of 10 p.m., it had consumed an estimated 3,200 acres.

Approximately 3,000 residents have been evacuated. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported to date.

Evacuation Orders:

Authorities in multiple townships have issued evacuation directives:

Ocean Township: Residents along Wells Mills Road between Bryant Road and the Garden State Parkway are under mandatory evacuation.

Lacey Township: Mandatory evacuations are in place for the Pheasant Run Community and neighborhoods surrounding Beach Boulevard, including Clune Park, South River Drive, Sandy Hook Drive, and Orlando Drive.

Barnegat Township: A voluntary evacuation is advised for the Pheasant Run Barnegat area. Officials emphasize that there is currently no imminent danger, but residents should remain prepared.

Emergency Shelters:

Designated shelters have been opened to accommodate evacuees:

Waretown United Methodist Church, Bryant Road, Waretown

Southern Regional High School, which also accepts pets

Additional shelters have been activated in Manahawkin and Manchester Township. Residents are advised to anticipate extended displacements and potential power outages as firefighting efforts continue overnight.

Road Closures:

Due to hazardous conditions, the following roads are currently closed:

Garden State Parkway, both directions, from Barnegat Road to Lacey Road

Route 9, between Route 532 and Lakeside Drive (Lacey Township)

Route 532 (Wells Mills Road), from Route 72 to the Garden State Parkway

Bryant Road, from Wells Mills Road to Route 539

Jones Road, between Route 532 and Bryant Road

Closures are expected to remain in effect through at least midnight. Motorists should seek alternate routes and use caution due to reduced visibility from smoke.

Power Outages:

Jersey Central Power & Light reports that over 20,000 customers in the affected areas are currently without power. Service was proactively shut off in some locations to mitigate risks from damaged electrical lines. The operational status near the Oyster Creek nuclear facility has not been confirmed.

Residents are encouraged to check utility provider websites for real-time outage updates.

Looking Ahead:

A press briefing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Coyle Field Air Attack Base. Representatives from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, NJDEP, and local officials will provide an in-person update. The briefing will not be livestreamed