Blaze threatens homes and wildlife as crews scramble to contain fast-moving flames in New Jersey
A wildfire burning through Ocean County, New Jersey has ballooned to 1,200 acres, prompting swift evacuations and shutting down major roads, including parts of the Garden State Parkway. As of Tuesday evening, the Jones Road Wildfire remains completely uncontained, according to state officials.
The fire ignited inside the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area and quickly tore through the dry terrain, putting dozens of homes and structures in danger. Winds and low humidity only worsened the situation.
Fire Moves Fast, Residents Ordered Out
It didn’t take long for authorities to order mandatory evacuations in parts of Barnegat Township.
Wells Mills Road, a key route in the area, was closed off to the public. State officials confirmed that at least 16 homes had been evacuated by nightfall, with 16 more structures standing in harm’s way. Sirens, text alerts, and local officials went door to door urging people to leave.
Local residents described the chaos with a mix of fear and frustration. “It looked like the sky was bleeding smoke,” said Carl Zimmerman, who lives near the wildlife area. “We had minutes to pack up.”
Smoke, Animals, and Uncertainty: What’s at Risk?
Ocean County isn’t just home to suburbs and schools. It’s also a wildlife sanctuary.
The Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area spans more than 30,000 acres, providing shelter to countless species — deer, foxes, birds, amphibians. For many of them, there’s nowhere to run.
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Wildlife experts are concerned about long-term ecological damage
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The area contains nesting grounds for endangered birds
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Air quality alerts are now in effect across several New Jersey counties
As ash fell like snow on nearby neighborhoods, veterinarians and local shelters began prepping for rescues. “We’re expecting some injured wildlife in the coming days,” said Susan Torrey, a local wildlife rehab volunteer. “Burns, smoke inhalation — that sort of thing.”
Evacuations Disrupt Communities, Garden State Parkway Shut
The closures hit hard. Traffic snarled as the Garden State Parkway — one of New Jersey’s busiest roads — was shut down in both directions near Barnegat.
Families scrambled to find shelter. Some went to local schools converted into makeshift evacuation centers, while others fled to relatives’ homes.
Emergency crews worked through the night, setting backfires and cutting containment lines. But wind patterns kept shifting. “This is a very dynamic situation,” said Greg McLaughlin, New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief. “We’re chasing flare-ups in every direction.”
What’s Fueling the Flames? Officials Still Investigating
Nobody knows exactly how it started.
Officials are keeping quiet, but arson hasn’t been ruled out. It’s also possible the fire was sparked by an illegal campfire or a piece of machinery. What they do know? It spread faster than expected.
Here’s the thing — New Jersey’s been unusually dry this spring. According to the National Weather Service, Ocean County has received 40% less rainfall than average over the past 60 days. That’s left forests bone-dry.
“This is exactly what we worry about,” said fire weather expert Thomas Gleason. “The forest floor’s like tinder.”
Crews Battling Fatigue, Weather Conditions Not Helping
Containment is still at zero percent. And that’s not from a lack of trying.
Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed, working in shifts. But with humidity dipping below 25% and gusts reaching 20 mph, they’ve had to play defense.
One exhausted crew member told a reporter: “We’re drinking water like crazy, but the fire’s drinking fuel even faster.”
Helicopters have been deployed to drop water. Firebreaks are being bulldozed. Volunteers have brought food, sunscreen, and even socks for exhausted responders.
What’s Next: Containment Timeline Still Unclear
As of early Wednesday, no one can say when it’ll be over.
Officials are urging residents to stay informed, be ready to evacuate, and avoid closed areas. Schools in the area are shut. Air quality alerts may remain through the week.
