Evacuations Underway as Major Wildfire Spreads in New Jersey
NEW YORK – A rapidly advancing wildfire, known as the Jones Road Wildfire, has compelled thousands of residents in Ocean and Lacey Townships, New Jersey, to evacuate their homes. As of Tuesday night, the fire has consumed 3,200 acres and is only 10% contained, posing a serious threat to over 1,300 structures in the area.
Fire Details and Current Status
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported the fire’s onset around 12:22 p.m. on Tuesday. What began as a brush fire swiftly expanded across the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, prompting emergency evacuation orders and widespread road closures.
Evacuation Orders Issued
Authorities have identified specific areas that are at risk and have enforced mandatory evacuations:
- Ocean Township: Residents on Wells Mills Road between Bryant Road and the Garden State Parkway must evacuate.
- Lacey Township: Evacuation orders include the Pheasant Run Community and surrounding areas near Beach Boulevard, Clune Park, South River Drive, Sandy Hook Drive, and Orlando Drive.
- Barnegat Township: A voluntary evacuation is advised for Pheasant Run Barnegat, though officials state there is no immediate danger.
Emergency Shelters Opened
To accommodate displaced residents, several emergency shelters have been established:
- Waretown United Methodist Church, located on Bryant Road in Waretown.
- Southern Regional High School, which is also open to evacuees with pets.
Additional shelters have been set up in high schools in Manahawkin and Manchester Township to assist those affected by the wildfire.
Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions
The wildfire has led to the closure of several major roadways, creating significant traffic challenges:
- Garden State Parkway: Closed in both directions between Barnegat Road and Lacey Road.
- Route 9: Closed between Route 532 and 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.
These closures are expected to impact the morning commute, with authorities advising alternate routes in the wake of the ongoing containment efforts.
Power Outages Reported
In conjunction with the evacuations, over 20,000 residents in the affected areas are experiencing power outages. Jersey Central Power and Light reported that power has been disconnected proactively to mitigate risks associated with sparking lines. The status of the electrical grid in proximity to the Oyster Creek nuclear facility remains unclear.
Next Steps and Updates
As firefighting crews continue their work, officials have scheduled a press conference for Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Coyle Field Air Attack Base, where updates from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, NJDEP, and county officials will be provided. This event will not be livestreamed and will take place in-person.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local news and the official websites of JCP&L and Atlantic City Electric for ongoing updates, especially concerning power restoration and any changes to evacuation orders.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates.
