A quickly spreading wildfire near the New Jersey shore has prompted evacuations and the closure of a significant stretch of the state's busiest highway, as dark smoke billows into the Jersey Shore region. The "Jones Road Wildfire" ignited on April 22, 2025, in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, located in Barnegat Township, Ocean County. As of the afternoon of the same day, the fire had consumed approximately 1,200 acres and was reported to be completely uncontrolled.
According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, mandatory evacuations were ordered for areas along Wells Mills Road from Bryant Road to the Garden State Parkway, as well as Route 9 in Lacey Township. Additionally, voluntary evacuation orders were issued for several neighborhoods within Barnegat Township, including Windward, Mirage, Pheasant Run, Heritage Point North, and Brookville. Residents were advised to evacuate to safety as the fire posed a significant threat to at least 16 structures, all of which have been evacuated.
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority confirmed that both directions of the Garden State Parkway are closed from Exit 63 in Stafford to Exit 80 in South Toms River. This closure affects a 17-mile stretch of the highway, creating heavy traffic congestion in surrounding areas, particularly during the evening rush hour. Traffic was being redirected west on Lacey Road as local roads became increasingly congested.
As of 5 p.m. on April 22, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that the wildfire was still uncontained, and efforts to combat the blaze were ongoing. Firefighters were utilizing a combination of ground crews, bulldozers, and aerial support to tackle the flames. A helicopter was deployed to drop 300 gallons of water, while a larger air tanker was capable of releasing 600 gallons. Reports indicated that the fire was being attacked from both the ground and air, with fire engines and other equipment working tirelessly to establish control lines.
Local authorities have also set up a shelter for evacuees at the United Methodist Church on Bryant Road in Waretown. In addition to the mandatory evacuations, voluntary orders were issued for residents in Waretown, advising those living east of the Garden State Parkway to Route 9 and north and south of Route 532 to consider evacuating.
Earlier in the day, a Nixle alert from the Barnegat Police Department indicated that approximately five acres were initially ablaze west of Route 532, close to the Barnegat/Waretown border. However, as the fire spread rapidly, it became evident that the situation had escalated, necessitating immediate action and evacuations.
As firefighters battled the flames, they faced challenges posed by high winds, which were expected to pick up and shift direction over the coming days. Dan Zarrow, Chief Meteorologist at New Jersey 101.5, noted that winds blowing from the south-southeast would carry smoke and ash across the region, affecting air quality and visibility.
In addition to the Jones Road Wildfire, another fire, dubbed "Danny's Wildfire," continues to burn in the Peaslee Wildlife Management Area in Vineland. This fire has burned approximately 2 square miles since it was first reported on April 18, 2025, and is currently 75% contained. Fire officials have established strong control lines around three sides of this fire, but a small creek bordering the fourth side has complicated efforts to limit its spread.
As the situation develops, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid flying drones in fire zones, as this can hinder firefighting efforts. Jersey Central Power & Light has cut power along the Garden State Parkway due to the wildfire, leaving more than 23,000 people without electricity in Ocean County, according to FindEnergy.com.
Experts suggest that drought conditions in Ocean County, which have recently been classified as abnormally dry to moderate, may have contributed to the fire's rapid spread. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that nearly 80% of New Jersey is experiencing some level of drought, which can exacerbate fire risks. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service typically responds to about 1,500 wildfires annually, damaging or destroying an average of 7,000 acres of forest.
As of now, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates to the public as new information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news channels and official alerts as firefighters work to bring the blaze under control.
