A fast-moving wildfire in New Jersey has now grown to 1,200 acres. The fire started on Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, near Barnegat Township in Ocean County. As of Tuesday evening, the fire is 0% contained.
What’s Happening?
- The fire, known as the Jones Road Wildfire, is spreading quickly.
- 16 homes have been evacuated, and 16 more buildings are at risk.
- Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
- The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Firefighters in Action
- Firefighters from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and local fire departments are working hard to control the fire.
- They are doing backfiring operations overnight (this means setting smaller fires to stop the bigger one).
- Firefighters say evacuations will continue until the fire is under control.
Important Warnings
- Smoke is expected to increase overnight as winds slow down, which can make driving dangerous. Drivers are asked to go slow and be careful.
- Residents are also warned to be ready for possible power outages due to damage to power lines and transformers
Evacuation Orders
- Mandatory evacuations in Ocean Township:
- Wells Mills Road from Bryant Road to the Garden State Parkway
- Near Route 9 in Lacey Township
- Voluntary evacuations in parts of Barnegat Township
- A shelter is open at Southern Regional High School
- Police say there is no immediate threat to Barnegat Township right now, but residents should stay prepared
Road Closures
- Garden State Parkway closed in both directions between Exits 63 and 80
- Wells Mills Road (Rt. 532) between Rt. 72 and the Parkway
- Bryant Road between Wells Mills Road and Rt. 539
- Jones Road between Rt. 532 and Bryant Road
Power Outages
As of 7 p.m. Tuesday, about 25,549 homes and businesses in Ocean County have lost power, according to FindEnergy.com.
Stay updated through news and follow official instructions to stay safe.
