A wildfire tearing through the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area has scorched more than 8,500 acres and forced thousands of evacuations across Ocean County.
The Jones Road Wildfire ignited Tuesday near Toms River and quickly exploded in size, growing from 1,200 acres the day before to more than 11,500 by Wednesday afternoon. Driven by dry conditions and gusting winds, the blaze remained just 10% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way declared a State of Emergency for Ocean County under Executive Order No. 387, enabling emergency response teams to deploy additional resources.
“With more than 1,000 structures at risk, 25,000 residents without power, and entire neighborhoods under threat, this wildfire demands swift and coordinated action,” Way said in a statement. She urged residents to stay alert and follow emergency protocols.
The fire crossed the Garden State Parkway on Tuesday night, forcing a shutdown of one of New Jersey’s busiest roads and disrupting traffic through the corridor. First responders blocked access to the highway as flames and smoke moved dangerously close to the roadway.
Thick smoke blanketed neighborhoods in Lacey, Barnegat, and Ocean townships. Ash drifted from the tree line and settled over cars and homes. Families packed what they could and fled under evacuation orders that stretched into early Wednesday.
By late morning, officials lifted all evacuation orders, allowing residents to return home. Still, the Forest Fire Service warned that conditions remain volatile and urged the public to stay alert.
The agency also cautioned against flying drones near the fire. Unauthorized drone use could interfere with low-flying aircraft working to contain the blaze.
Forecasts show gusts reaching up to 20 mph early Wednesday before winds ease in the afternoon. Rain may arrive by Friday night, offering a possible break in the fire fight.
No injuries have been reported, but the fire left a trail of destruction—burned terrain, fallen power lines and homes still covered in ash as firefighters continued working to secure the perimeter.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.