simply amazing, always for you.
April 24, 2025
Ocean County, NJ — A massive wildfire tearing through the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area has scorched over 13,250 acres of southern New Jersey, with officials warning that the blaze may grow even further amid continued dry weather and gusty winds.
Dubbed the Jones Road Fire, the inferno erupted Tuesday morning in Ocean County and has become one of the state’s largest wildfires in nearly 20 years. The fire is now 50% contained, but firefighting crews remain locked in a relentless battle against fast-moving flames fueled by low humidity and brisk spring winds.
A Region on Edge
The fire, which rapidly expanded across parts of Lacey and Barnegat townships, triggered the evacuation of around 5,000 residents earlier in the week and temporarily closed a section of the Garden State Parkway—a vital corridor in the region. As of Wednesday evening, all evacuation orders have been lifted, but the scars of a fire still burning strong are etched deep into the landscape.
In a press briefing Wednesday morning, Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency for Ocean County. “At this time, we have no loss of life and no homes have been harmed,” Way said in a statement posted to X. “But this situation remains serious.”
Damage and Destruction
While no homes have been lost, the fire has not spared all structures in its path. According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, one commercial building, several vehicles, and multiple outbuildings were destroyed in the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
More than 25,000 residents were briefly without power on Tuesday, adding yet another layer of stress to a community already reeling from uncertainty. By Wednesday, most of the outages had been resolved, but the potential for renewed infrastructure impacts remains if the fire spreads again.
Air Quality Alerts Stretch to NYC
Smoke from the fire has not remained confined to New Jersey. Plumes of haze have drifted northward, blanketing parts of New York City, Long Island, and the lower Hudson Valley in a gray veil. Health officials have issued air quality alerts, warning residents—especially those with respiratory conditions, young children, and the elderly—to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has noted that wind conditions are expected to persist into Thursday, which could continue to push smoke into the Tri-State area and potentially expand the fire’s reach.
Firefighting Efforts in Full Force
More than 100 firefighters from across the region are deployed on the ground, supported by aerial water drops to suppress hotspots and keep the flames from jumping containment lines. Bulldozers are working overtime to carve firebreaks in an attempt to block the blaze from reaching nearby communities.
Officials remain cautiously optimistic. “Containment is progressing, but full control is still out of reach without significant rainfall,” said a spokesperson for the Forest Fire Service.
Relief may come soon. Meteorologists are forecasting a significant rain system expected to move through the region Friday night into Saturday—potentially the first meaningful opportunity to fully extinguish the blaze.
An Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Early detection came via the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower, and within hours, strong winds and bone-dry brush helped the flames explode in size. Investigators are now combing the origin site for clues as to what may have sparked the inferno.
As the investigation unfolds, environmental officials have begun damage assessments across the affected zones, noting particular concern for wildlife within the Greenwood Forest area.
A Wake-Up Call
The Jones Road Fire is a harsh reminder of the growing wildfire risks even in regions not typically known for them. With climate change contributing to longer dry seasons and erratic weather patterns, wildfires are becoming a more common—and more devastating—part of the Northeast’s spring landscape.
For now, communities across Ocean County are holding their breath, hopeful that Mother Nature will offer the help that crews on the ground so desperately need.
Stay Prepared and Stay Informed
Authorities urge residents to monitor local alerts and be prepared in case additional evacuations are needed.
Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.