Empire State Review Team 
Jones Road Wildfire Forces Evacuations in New Jersey
New York – A fierce wildfire, now identified as the Jones Road Wildfire, continues to devastate portions of Ocean and Lacey Townships in Ocean County, New Jersey. As of Tuesday evening, the fire has consumed approximately 3,200 acres and is reported to be only 10% contained, necessitating the evacuation of thousands of residents.
Current Status of the Wildfire
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service first detected the blaze around 12:22 p.m. on Tuesday. Initially starting as a brush fire, the flame has rapidly spread throughout the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, prompting emergency responses from local authorities.
Evacuations and Shelter Information
In total, over 3,000 residents have been evacuated due to the threat of the wildfire, which is putting at least 1,320 structures in jeopardy. Local officials have issued specific evacuation orders for the following areas:
- Ocean Township: Residents along Wells Mills Road between Bryant Road and the Garden State Parkway are required to evacuate.
- Lacey Township: Evacuations are mandated for the Pheasant Run Community and surrounding areas near Beach Boulevard, including Clune Park and Sandy Hook Drive.
- Barnegat Township: A voluntary evacuation has been advised for Pheasant Run Barnegat, with officials urging residents to remain prepared for a potential escalation.
Designated Shelters
Emergency shelters have been established at the following locations:
- Waretown United Methodist Church, Bryant Road, Waretown
- Southern Regional High School, which welcomes both evacuees and their pets
Additionally, high schools in Manahawkin and Manchester Township are open as emergency shelters for those displaced.
Road Closures and Power Outages
Critical roadways have been closed in response to the wildfire, including:
- Garden State Parkway: Closed in both directions between Barnegat Road and Lacey Road
- Route 9: Closed from Route 532 to Lakeside Drive in Lacey Township
- Route 532 (Wells Mills Road): Closed between Route 72 and the Garden State Parkway
- Bryant Road: Closed between Wells Mills Road and Route 539
- Jones Road: Closed between Route 532 and Bryant Road
The Garden State Parkway is expected to remain closed until at least midnight, and commuters are advised to seek alternate routes.
In terms of power outages, Jersey Central Power and Light has reported that over 20,000 customers are currently without electricity in the area. Power cut-offs were executed proactively to minimize danger caused by arcing lines, though the status near the Oyster Creek nuclear facility remains unclear.
Looking Ahead
With forecasts suggesting calmer winds overnight, local emergency services anticipate that smoke conditions may worsen, affecting visibility. Drivers are encouraged to exercise caution when traveling.
A press conference will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Coyle Field Air Attack Base, where officials will provide further updates regarding the firefighting efforts and safety measures. This event will not be livestreamed, so in-person attendance is required for those seeking the latest information.
This is an evolving situation. Please check back for further updates as they become available.
