Posted on 04/22/25
| News Source: FOX Weather
BARNEGAT, N.J. — A wildfire exploding in size near the New Jersey shore caused officials to order thousands to evacuate and close a 17-mile stretch of the state's busiest highway as dark smoke poured into the Jersey Shore region.
The Jones Road Wildfire sparked on Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Barnegat Township in Ocean County. As of Tuesday evening, it had consumed 3,200 acres and was only 5% contained.
Some 3,000 people were told to evacuate as the fire so far is threatening over 1,300 homes and structures, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Evacuations stretch along portions of Highways 532, 539, 72 and 9 and multiple shelters have been established for those fleeing the flames.
Additional voluntary evacuations are in place for several areas of Barnegat Township. The busy Garden State Parkway is closed in both directions for a 5-mile stretch between exits 69 and 74 – an improvement from earlier in the afternoon when the closure extended 17 miles. Barnegat Police say the parkway will remain closed until at least midnight Wednesday morning, but residents should plan an alternate route to work Wednesday morning in case the closure needs to be extended.
"With the winds calming down during the evening hours, there will be an increased amount of smoke in the area," Barnegat Police said in a post on Facebook. "This increase in smoke will decrease visibility while driving."
Jersey Central Power & Light reportedly cut power along the Garden State Parkway due to the wildfire, according to the Barnegat Police Department. More than 25,000 people are without power in Ocean County, according to FindEnergy.com.
"Residents should prepare for the possibility of an extended power outage as there may be damaged power lines and transformers," Barnegat Police said.
Dark smoke and ash was observed blowing across the Garden State Parkway in surrounding Ocean County communities to the north and east, including Toms River, and closer to the beach in Seaside Heights.
Forest Fire Service fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews and air support are responding to the fire.
The cause of the Jones Road Wildfire is under investigation.