E-Paper
New Jersey wildfire: Live map and evacuation updates as Ocean County blaze grows to 1,200 acres
The Ocean County wildfire in New Jersey has expanded to 1,200 acres. Garden State Parkway is closed and mandatory evacuations are in effect on Wells Mills Road.
The Jones Road Wildfire in New Jersey has expanded to 1,200 acres, according to Fox Weather. The fire broke out Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, near Barnegat Township in Ocean County. It remains 0% contained as of Tuesday evening.
The rapidly spreading fire has led to mandatory evacuations, road closures, and has threatened multiple structures. As of Tuesday evening, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that 16 structures are at risk, and 16 homes have already been evacuated. No injuries have been reported so far. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
A live map of the affected areas can be viewed here.
Latest Updates
The Ocean Township Police Department issued an update at 9 p.m. EDT, reporting that New Jersey State Forest Fire Service personnel, along with local fire departments, are actively working to contain the wildfire.
“New Jersey state forest fire personnel and and local fire companies are on location actively suppressing the wildfire. You may see backfiring operations throughout the night. Evacuations will remain in place until forward progress and control is obtained throughout the night,” police said in a post on Facebook.
Officials also warned that as winds calm overnight, smoke in the area will increase, potentially reducing visibility on the roads.
“With the winds calming down during the evening hours, there will be an increased amount of smoke in the area. This increase in smoke will decrease visibility while driving, please use extra caution and drive at slower speeds when in smokey areas.”
Authorities also cautioned that residents should prepare for a possible extended power outage due to damaged power lines and transformers in the affected area.
Evacuation Orders
- Mandatory evacuations are in effect on Wells Mills Road from Bryant Road to the Garden State Parkway in Ocean Township, Ocean County.
- Mandatory evacuations are also underway near Route 9 in Lacey Township, Ocean County.
- Voluntary evacuations are in place for parts of Barnegat Township. A shelter has been opened at Southern Regional High School.
"As the fire continues north, there is no immediate threat to Barnegat Township. However, we ask you to be prepared in case of a change in direction," Barnegat police wrote on Facebook.
Road Closures
- Garden State Parkway is closed in both directions between Exits 63 and 80
- Rt. 532 (Wells Mills Road) between Rt. 72 and the Garden State Parkway
- Bryant Road between Wells Mills Road (Rt. 532) and Rt. 539
- Jones Road between Rt. 532 and Bryant Road
Power Outages
As of 7 p.m. EDT, approximately 25,549 homes and businesses in Ocean County are without power, according to FindEnergy.com.
