A rapidly growing wildfire in southern Ocean County has prompted road closures, evacuations, and an intensive firefighting effort as emergency crews work to contain the blaze. The fire, which ignited Tuesday morning near the wooded area along the border of Barnegat and Waretown, has already scorched an estimated 1,200 acres.
Officials have confirmed that the fire remains uncontained as of Tuesday evening, with multiple homes and structures in the area under threat. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that 16 buildings are currently at risk, and mandatory evacuations have been issued for several neighborhoods.
To support firefighting efforts and protect the public, a significant stretch of the Garden State Parkway—between Exit 63 in Stafford Township and Exit 80 in South Toms River—has been shut down. Motorists have been diverted to local roads, causing significant congestion throughout Barnegat, Waretown, and the surrounding areas.
Mandatory evacuations have been implemented along Route 532, particularly from Bryant Road eastward to the Parkway. Waretown authorities have also encouraged residents east of the Parkway to Route 9, as well as homes and businesses along Route 532, to voluntarily evacuate as a precaution.
The fire has affected access to several local roads, including closures on Route 532 (Wells Mills Road) between Route 72 and the Parkway, Bryant Road from Route 532 to Route 539, and Jones Road between Route 532 and Bryant Road. In addition, Wells Mills County Park is temporarily closed due to safety concerns.
With dry conditions and warm spring weather contributing to the blaze’s spread, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has deployed an array of resources to the scene. Ground crews, bulldozers, and fire engines are working alongside aerial support—including two helicopters, one used for water drops and another for aerial surveillance. A specialized aircraft, equipped to carry up to 600 gallons of water, has also been deployed to slow the fire’s progress.
The wildfire was first reported around 10:15 a.m. Tuesday morning. The exact cause remains unknown and is currently under investigation.
Residents are urged to stay alert for emergency updates and obey all evacuation orders as crews continue to work overnight to bring the fire under control.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.