Thousands evacuate as New Jersey wildfire explodes in size, closes part of Garden State Parkway
As of Tuesday evening, the Jones Road Fire burning near Barnegat, New Jersey had consumed 8,500 acres and was only 10% contained. Part of the Garden State Parkway is closed near Waretown.
New Jersey wildfire spreads, prompts evacuations
The Jones Road fire in Ocean County, New Jersey, has spread and prompted evacuations near the Jersey Shore. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
BARNEGAT, N.J. — A wildfire exploding in size near the New Jersey shore caused officials to order thousands to evacuate and close a miles-long stretch of the state's busiest highway as dark smoke poured into the Jersey Shore region.
The Jones Road Wildfire sparked on Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Barnegat Township in Ocean County. As of Tuesday night, it had consumed 8,500 acres and was only 10% contained.
New Jersey wildfire burning near homes in Barnegat
A video shows the dark smoke from the Jones Road Fire burning near Barnegat, New Jersey on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Some 3,000 people were told to evacuate as the fire so far is threatening over 1,300 homes and structures, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. There were no official specific reports of damage but the NJFFS reported that "damage assessments were under way."
Evacuations stretch along portions of Highways 532, 539, 72 and 9 and multiple shelters have been established for those fleeing the flames.
Additional voluntary evacuations are in place for several areas of Barnegat Township.
The busy Garden State Parkway is closed in both directions for a 5-mile stretch between exits 69 and 74 – an improvement from earlier in the afternoon when the closure extended 17 miles. Barnegat Police say the parkway will remain closed until at least midnight Wednesday morning, but residents should plan an alternate route to work Wednesday morning in case the closure needs to be extended.
Photos shared by the Garden State Parkway showed smoke covering the highway and flames nearing the road earlier Tuesday.
New Jersey Wildfire (Via KYW-TV / FOX Weather)
"With the winds calming down during the evening hours, there will be an increased amount of smoke in the area," Barnegat Police said in a post on Facebook. "This increase in smoke will decrease visibility while driving."
Jersey Central Power & Light reportedly cut power along the Garden State Parkway due to the wildfire, according to the Barnegat Police Department. More than 25,000 people are without power in Ocean County, according to FindEnergy.com.
"Residents should prepare for the possibility of an extended power outage as there may be damaged power lines and transformers," Barnegat Police said.
Dark smoke and ash was observed blowing across the Garden State Parkway in surrounding Ocean County communities to the north and east, including Toms River, and closer to the beach in Seaside Heights.
Smoke billows across the Garden State Parkway in Barnegat, New Jersey on April 22, 2025. (NJ DOT / FOX Weather)
Forest Fire Service fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews and air support are responding to the fire.
The cause of the Jones Road Wildfire is under investigation.
Watch: Smoke from Jones Road wildfire in New Jersey clouds sky
Video from Lanoka Harbor in New Jersey shows smoke from the wildfire clouding the sky, blocking the sun. The fire is exploding in size, prompting evacuations.
Drought levels in Ocean County are abnormally dry to moderate, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, but have been worsening over the past week. Nearly 80% of the Garden State is facing some level of drought.
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