Raging wildfire forces thousands to flee as New Jersey declares state of emergency

New Jersey Declares Emergency as Jones Road Wildfire Scorches Over 11,500 Acres

A fast-moving wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, has triggered a state of emergency, disrupted local infrastructure, and prompted mass evacuations as flames engulf over 11,500 acres. The fire, now known as the Jones Road Wildfire, ignited on April 22, 2025, in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Barnegat Township. Officials have confirmed the blaze remains only 30% contained, even as emergency services intensify their suppression efforts.

With large plumes of smoke visible for miles and shifting winds threatening to spread the fire further into residential zones, acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency to expedite access to state resources and streamline disaster response operations.

What Areas Have Been Most Affected by the Jones Road Wildfire?

The fire has significantly impacted Ocean and Lacey Townships, where evacuation orders were issued as flames moved closer to inhabited areas. Shelters were established at Southern Regional High School and Manchester Township High School to accommodate displaced residents. While some evacuation orders were lifted after a brief drop in fire intensity, officials continue to caution that the situation remains fluid. The Garden State Parkway and Route 9, which were temporarily closed due to the fire’s proximity, have since reopened, allowing limited re-entry for residents.

Local authorities have confirmed that one commercial property and several outbuildings have been destroyed, with reports of vehicles also consumed by the advancing flames. Emergency responders have indicated that over 1,300 structures remain at risk as shifting weather conditions could influence the fire’s trajectory.

How Has Infrastructure Been Disrupted by the Wildfire?

One of the most concerning developments during the fire’s spread was the proximity of flames to the defunct Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station. Though no structural damage to the plant has been reported, the incident raised alarms about the potential risk of critical infrastructure exposure in wildfire-prone zones.

Power outages have also been a significant consequence of the blaze. Jersey Central Power & Light, the regional utility provider, proactively de-energized several transmission lines in the affected area to reduce risk for emergency personnel and prevent fire flare-ups caused by electrical infrastructure. As a result, more than 25,000 customers experienced service disruptions. Restoration efforts are underway but remain subject to fire containment progress and weather patterns.

What Environmental Conditions Are Fueling the Fire?

The Jones Road Wildfire has been exacerbated by a combination of ecological and meteorological factors. The Pine Barrens, a dense forested region characterised by sandy soil and flammable underbrush, is naturally susceptible to wildfires. This vulnerability has been intensified by an ongoing drought in the northeastern United States, which has led to reduced soil moisture and low humidity—ideal conditions for fire ignition and spread.

Springtime wildfires are not unprecedented in the region, but the scale and speed of this fire have made it one of the most significant blazes New Jersey has seen in the last 20 years. Officials from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service have stated that containment is being hampered by the terrain’s limited accessibility, with firebreaks and backfires deployed to slow its spread.

What Is the Historical Context of Wildfires in the Pine Barrens?

The Pine Barrens has long been a high-risk zone for wildfires due to its unique topography and vegetation. Spanning over one million acres, it is one of the largest tracts of open space on the Eastern Seaboard and serves as a critical ecological reserve. Historically, prescribed burns and forest thinning have been employed to manage fuel loads, yet increasing climate volatility has added layers of complexity to traditional wildfire mitigation strategies.

The last wildfire of comparable magnitude in the region occurred in 2007, when a fire started by a flare dropped during a military exercise burned over 17,000 acres and forced the evacuation of thousands. That event prompted a reassessment of wildfire preparedness across the state. However, the Jones Road Wildfire is unique in that it is advancing closer to suburban boundaries, raising new concerns about the adequacy of existing firebreak zones and resource allocations.

What Are Officials Doing to Contain the Fire?

Firefighting teams from across the state have been deployed to the site, supported by aerial suppression efforts including water drops from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Bulldozers are working to create containment lines, and coordinated ground efforts are focused on structure protection and hotspot extinguishing.

Governor Way’s emergency declaration has enabled the activation of additional firefighting units, the release of state emergency funds, and the deployment of the National Guard if necessary. Local law enforcement agencies have assisted with evacuation logistics, roadblocks, and public information campaigns.

Authorities have urged residents to comply with evacuation directives and remain informed through official channels. Air quality alerts remain in effect for Ocean County and surrounding regions, as smoke from the fire has drifted into nearby counties, posing risks to individuals with respiratory conditions.

How Are Communities Responding to the Disaster?

Community resilience has been evident, with local volunteers and organisations mobilising to support displaced individuals. Donations of food, clothing, and other essentials have poured into emergency shelters, and community leaders are working alongside state agencies to coordinate relief and recovery operations.

Educational institutions in the impacted areas have suspended classes, and several outdoor recreation areas remain closed as a precaution. As firefighting efforts continue, local governments are evaluating long-term recovery strategies, including infrastructure restoration and updated fire response planning.

What Are the Broader Implications of This Wildfire?

The Jones Road Wildfire underscores the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires across regions not historically associated with high wildfire risk. As climate change contributes to hotter, drier conditions in the northeastern United States, emergency planners and policymakers are reassessing fire preparedness frameworks, particularly in densely populated states such as New Jersey.

Increased investment in fire prevention, including fuel reduction and fire-resistant infrastructure, is likely to follow. Insurance coverage, zoning regulations, and community awareness programmes are expected to come under renewed scrutiny in the wake of this crisis.

While no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported to date, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing intersection between environmental volatility and urban vulnerability.