WILDFIRE GROWS TO 3,200 ACRES IN BARNEGAT: OFFICIALS

As of late Tuesday night, April 22, 2025, the Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, has expanded to approximately 8,500 acres with containment efforts at 10%. The blaze, which ignited in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Barnegat Township, has prompted the evacuation of around 3,000 residents and threatens over 1,300 structures. 

Evacuation Orders and Shelters

Mandatory Evacuations:

• Waretown (Ocean Township): Residents along Wells Mills Road from Bryant Road to the Garden State Parkway.
• Lacey Township: Areas including Pheasant Run, Barnegat Pines South, Beach Boulevard, and surrounding streets such as South River Drive, Sandy Hook Drive, and Orlando Drive.

Voluntary Evacuations:

• Barnegat Township: Neighborhoods including Windward, Mirage, Pheasant Run, Heritage Point North, Brookville, and all homes on West Bay Avenue.

Shelters:

• Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin (pet-friendly).
• Charles Smith Community Center in Lacey Township. 
• United Methodist Church on Bryant Road in Waretown.  

Road Closures

Due to the wildfire, several major roadways have been closed:

• Garden State Parkway between Exit 80 (South) and Exit 63 (North).
• Route 9 in Lacey Township from Lacey Road to Lakeside Drive South.
• Route 532 (Wells Mills Road) between Route 72 and the Garden State Parkway.
• Bryant Road between Route 532 and Route 539.
• Jones Road between Route 532 and Bryant Road.

Power Outages

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has de-energized power lines affecting approximately 23,000 customers in the area, including Barnegat Township, to ensure the safety of firefighting crews. Power restoration is expected once conditions permit. 

Firefighting Efforts and Environmental Conditions

The wildfire’s rapid spread is attributed to ongoing drought conditions affecting nearly 80% of New Jersey. Firefighting efforts are being supported by multiple local, county, and state agencies. No injuries have been reported, and damage assessments are ongoing. 

Weather Outlook

Overnight forecasts indicate cooler temperatures and diminishing winds, which may aid in containment efforts. 

For real-time updates and safety information, residents are encouraged to monitor official channels such as the New Jersey Forest Fire Service’s Facebook page.