On April 22, 2025, a major wildfire, dubbed the Jones Road Wildfire, broke out in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area in Barnegat Township, Ocean County, New Jersey. The blaze rapidly grew to 1,200 acres by 5 p.m., with 0% containment, prompting mandatory evacuations, road closures, and a robust firefighting response. Below is a factual account of the event based on available reports and images provided.

Fire Details and Spread

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) first reported the wildfire at approximately 12:22 p.m. near Jones Road in Barnegat Township. By 5 p.m., the fire had expanded from an initial estimate of 150 acres to over 1,200 acres, covering roughly 1.9 square miles. The blaze was fueled by dry conditions, low humidity, and winds blowing from the south-southeast at 10-15 mph, which carried embers and accelerated its spread through the pine barrens. A small creek on one side of the fire hindered access for firefighting equipment, complicating containment efforts. The fire remained at 0% containment as of 7 p.m., with thick smoke and ash reported across the region, visible on weather radar and affecting air quality in Ocean County and beyond.

Evacuations and Community Impact

Mandatory evacuations were ordered just before 3:30 p.m. for 16 structures along Bryant Road and Wells Mills Road in Ocean Township, where the fire posed an immediate threat. Evacuations were underway on Wells Mills Road from Bryant Road to the Garden State Parkway, and Wells Mills Park was closed. Shelters were established at local facilities, including Barnegat High School, to accommodate displaced residents. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office noted reports of a smoky smell and ash falling, urging residents not to call emergency lines unless necessary. Air quality alerts were issued, advising those with respiratory issues to stay indoors.

Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions

The fire led to significant road closures, including both northbound and southbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway between Exits 63 (Stafford Township) and 80 (South Toms River) as of 6 p.m. Route 9 and Route 532 were also closed, with Route 532 shut down between the Garden State Parkway and Route 72. These closures caused widespread traffic delays across southern Ocean County, with vehicles at a standstill in areas like Waretown and Barnegat. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority shared images on X showing flames along the Parkway’s edge, highlighting the fire’s proximity to major infrastructure.

Firefighting Efforts

The NJFFS deployed extensive resources to combat the blaze, including ground crews, bulldozers, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. A helicopter capable of dropping 300 gallons of water and a contract air tanker with a 600-gallon capacity were used to douse the flames. Ground teams conducted backfiring operations to burn fuel ahead of the fire’s path. Five counties contributed firefighting resources, with multiple planes and choppers visible over the area. Reports indicated that some emergency vehicles caught fire due to the blaze’s intensity, though no injuries were reported. The NJFFS canceled a scheduled 8 p.m. press conference due to the fire’s “rapidly evolving nature.”

Context and Investigation

The Jones Road Wildfire was the second major fire in Ocean County within four days, following a smaller blaze in the same region. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with no official determination as to whether it was sparked by human activity, lightning, or another source. The NJFFS emphasized that no drones should be flown over the fire, as they could interfere with aerial firefighting operations.

Current Status

As of the latest updates on April 22, 2025, the Jones Road Wildfire continues to burn with no containment. Firefighting efforts are ongoing, and residents in affected areas remain evacuated. The Garden State Parkway and other roads stay closed, and air quality concerns persist due to heavy smoke. The NJFFS and local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with further updates expected as conditions develop.

Sources:

•  Fox5NY.com: “Massive Ocean County, NJ wildfire forces evacuations, shuts down Garden State Parkway”

•  Yahoo.com: “Garden State Parkway, Route 9 closed due to Ocean County wildfire”

•  CBSNews.com: “Wildfire spreads in Ocean County, N.J.”

•  TimesNowNews.com: “Ocean County Wildfire: Fast-Moving Blaze Forces Evacuations And Garden State Parkway Shutdown In New Jersey”

•  NJ1015.com: “Wildfire threatens homes, sends ash over Ocean County”

•  Yahoo.com: “Wildfire burning in Barnegat Township; mandatory evacuation orders in Ocean County, New Jersey”

•  Yahoo.com: “Evacuations underway as wildfire breaks out in New Jersey”

•  NJ.com: “N.J. wildfire grows rapidly as nearby residents evacuate, portion of Parkway closed, officials say”

•  6abc.com: “Ocean County, NJ wildfire: Garden State Parkway closed; mandatory evacuations ordered”

•  NBCPhiladelphia.com: “Wildfire in Ocean County fills air above NJ with thick smoke”

•  Patch.com: “Evacuations Underway As Massive Wildfire Burns Southern Ocean”

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