A massive wildfire burning across Ocean County, New Jersey, has consumed 12,000 acres and could become the state’s largest wildfire in two decades. Officials said Wednesday that the Jones Road wildfire is 35 percent contained, as emergency crews continue efforts to secure the area and prevent further spread.
The fire, which ignited around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area in Barnegat Township, quickly spread into Lacey and Ocean townships.
Newsweek reached out to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service by phone and by email for comment.
Why It Matters
The scale and speed of the Jones Road fire have triggered widespread evacuations, road closures and power outages, impacting thousands of New Jersey residents. Environmental Commissioner Shawn LaTourette warned during a Wednesday morning press conference that the blaze “could very well end up being the largest wildfire in New Jersey in 20 years,” citing dry conditions and unpredictable winds.
A state of emergency was declared for Ocean County early Wednesday by Acting Governor Tahesha Way, with more than 5,000 people temporarily evacuated and more than 25,000 residents losing power.
What to Know
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Jones Road fire had burned roughly 12,000 acres, threatening 20 structures and destroying at least one commercial building. Roads, including stretches of the Garden State Parkway and U.S. Route 9, were closed for hours, contributing to significant traffic delays across the region.
Full containment is expected to occur at 15,410 acres, according to the most recent map shared by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
New Jersey Forest Fire Service
Power was cut deliberately in some areas to protect emergency crews from downed lines, and shelters were opened for displaced residents at Southern Regional and Manchester Township high schools. Evacuation orders were lifted on Wednesday as containment improved, though authorities continue to monitor fire lines closely.
The blaze’s ignition source remains under investigation. No injuries have been reported.
Smoke from the fire has blanketed parts of southern New Jersey, prompting air quality alerts. Though Wednesday’s winds are forecast to be lighter, the area has faced prolonged dry weather since the fall, creating ripe conditions for fire spread.
Firefighters have implemented backfiring tactics—intentionally burning areas ahead of the main fire to remove fuel—and deployed fire engines, bulldozers, and ground crews. The Forest Fire Service said another update would be provided at 4 p.m.
What People Are Saying
New Jersey Forest Fire Service in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “New Jersey Forest Fire Service is making progress containing a wildfire burning in Ocean & Lacey Townships, Ocean County.”
An air quality official with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection told Newsweek in a statement: “Light winds are expected to prevail, potentially keeping transport levels low and aiding in containment of the wildfire. Due to this being an active fire, we are monitoring the conditions and will update if necessary. The next chance of rain is this weekend, which may help improve air quality.”
What Happens Next
Weather conditions in the coming days—particularly the potential for rain—could assist firefighters, but crews are preparing for a multi-day response. Residents are urged to avoid the affected areas and adhere to any new alerts or evacuation notices.
