A brush fire has erupted in central New Jersey, spanning more than 8,500 acres and forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents. The Jones Road Wildfire is burning near Barnegat Township in Ocean County and has spread to the Pine Barrens area, a vast coastal ecosystem known for its protected land. Officials have shut down roughly 17 miles of the state’s busiest highway, the Garden State Parkway, near Waretown due to the blaze, which was reported to be 10 percent contained as of Tuesday night.
The fire was first reported on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area. Just hours later, it exploded in size, scorching thousands of acres and threatening hundreds of structures. As of 10:30 p.m. on the same day, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service indicated that the wildfire was raging across Ocean County and had grown to 8,500 acres, up from the earlier estimate of 3,200 acres. The cause of the blaze remains unknown, and an investigation is ongoing.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been placed for approximately 3,000 residents as the fire threatens an estimated 1,300 buildings. The Jersey Central Power and Light Company cut power to about 25,000 customers at the request of the Forest Fire Service, leaving many in the dark as crews battled the flames. The company stated that it does not expect to restore power before Wednesday, April 23, 2025, emphasizing that this precaution was for the safety of the crews working on the fire.
Local officials have opened shelters at Southern Regional High School and various churches across Barnegat Township, which is about 60 miles east of Philadelphia. The community has been described as resembling a "war zone" by evacuees, with scenes of smoke, sirens, and the buzz of helicopters filling the air. Debi Schaffer, a resident who was evacuated, recounted her experience, saying, "I wanted to take [my chickens] in the car with me; can you imagine 22 chickens in a car?" Her husband remained behind to care for their animals.
Gloucester County Emergency Management noted that winds have been favorable for the majority of New Jersey's population, blowing smoke eastward toward the Atlantic Ocean. They expressed their concern, stating, "Our hearts & prayers are with all of those affected, and to the statewide personnel that have responded to assist." Fire engines, bulldozers, and ground crews from multiple communities have been deployed to combat the blaze.
As the fire continues to burn, it has drawn comparisons to recent wildfires in California, where entire neighborhoods were devastated. Similar scenes unfolded earlier this year in Los Angeles, where thousands were evacuated from their homes as flames raged through communities. The situation in New Jersey, however, is particularly alarming as it marks the second major forest fire in the region within less than a week. Both incidents are under investigation.
New Jersey has been under an official drought warning since March 2025, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The state is known for its lush landscapes, but the dry conditions have left many areas vulnerable to wildfires. As the situation develops, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service is expected to hold a press conference on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, to provide further updates.
Residents are urged to stay informed and heed evacuation orders as authorities work to control the fire and ensure public safety. With the fire still active and containment efforts ongoing, the community remains on high alert. As nighttime approaches, the fear of the fire's expansion looms large, and the hope for a swift resolution is in the hearts of many.
