A massive wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, has wreaked havoc, burning thousands of acres and forcing mandatory evacuations across multiple townships. The fire, now referred to as the "Jones Road Wildfire," began on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, shortly after 10 a.m. in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area in Barnegat Township. By late Tuesday night, the blaze had consumed approximately 8,500 acres, threatening over 1,320 structures and leading to the evacuation of around 3,000 residents in Ocean and Lacey townships.
New Jersey's acting Governor, Tahesha Way, declared a state of emergency for Ocean County effective 7 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. In her statement, she emphasized the rapid growth of the fire, which prompted the need for immediate action. “Yesterday, our State Forest Fire Service informed us of a wildfire in Ocean Township, Ocean County. Due to its accelerated growth, with an estimated burn of 8,500 acres, threatening more than 1,000 structures, requiring the evacuation of residents in the area, and the loss of power to over 25,000 residents, I am declaring a State of Emergency for Ocean County,” Way said. She urged residents to stay informed and follow safety protocols.
As of 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the Ocean and Lacey township police departments announced that all evacuation orders had been lifted. Roads including the Garden State Parkway between Barnegat and Lacey roads, and Route 9 from Lakeside Drive to CR 532, were reopened, providing relief to residents and travelers alike.
However, the situation on the ground remains critical. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that as of late Tuesday night, the fire was only 10% contained. Firefighters, aided by ground crews, bulldozers, and aerial resources, have been working tirelessly to establish containment lines. Helicopters capable of dropping 300 gallons of water and air tankers dropping 600 gallons have been deployed in the firefighting efforts.
The fire's rapid spread has been alarming. Cellphone footage captured towering plumes of smoke and flames engulfing the Pine Barrens, with some structures already lost to the blaze. Local resident Andrew Fellin described the scene, saying, “Lots of smoke in the air. You could really smell and taste the smoke and the fire in the air. It was definitely very strong, very prevalent.” He recounted the chaos of the evacuation, noting that power went out just as authorities ordered residents to leave.
Evacuations have extended beyond just Barnegat and Lacey townships, affecting nearby neighborhoods including Windward, Mirage, Pheasant Run, Heritage Point North, and Brookeville, as well as southern sections of Barnegat Pines. The Red Cross has set up emergency shelters at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin and Manchester Township High School.
Power outages have also hit the region hard, with Jersey Central Power & Light reporting that over 25,000 homes and businesses were without electricity as of late Tuesday night. The utility company cut power proactively to protect firefighters battling the flames and to prevent further hazards.
As the fire continues to pose a significant threat, officials are conducting backfiring operations to burn fuel ahead of the main body of the fire in an effort to control its spread. The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation, and damage assessments are underway to evaluate the impact on structures and the environment.
Despite the dire circumstances, no injuries have been reported as of Wednesday morning, a fortunate outcome considering the scale of the disaster. Fire officials are scheduled to provide further updates as they continue to assess and respond to the evolving situation.
This wildfire serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by climate conditions and land management practices in fire-prone areas. With the Pine Barrens being a unique ecological region, the implications of such wildfires extend beyond immediate threats to human safety and property, potentially affecting wildlife and natural resources in the long term.
As the community comes together to support those affected, the focus remains on containment efforts and ensuring the safety of residents. The state of emergency declared by Governor Way highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for coordinated responses from local, state, and federal agencies.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, stay informed through official channels, and adhere to all safety recommendations as the firefighting efforts continue. With the situation still developing, many are left wondering what the coming days will hold for Ocean County and its residents.
