Massive Ocean County, NJ wildfire forces evacuations, threatens thousands of structures

A fast-moving wildfire is burning through Ocean and Lacey Townships in Ocean County, New Jersey, destroying thousands of acres and forcing evacuations and widespread road closures. According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the Jones Road Wildfire has scorched 3,200 acres and is just 5% contained as of Tuesday evening.

Massive Ocean County, NJ wildfire forces evacuations, threatens thousands of structures

NEW YORK – Thousands of residents have been evacuated as the Jones Road Wildfire continues to rage across Ocean and Lacey townships. The fire is only 10% contained, with more than 1,300 structures under threat.

The fire, being referred to as the Jones Wildfire, was first reported by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service around 12:22 p.m. on Tuesday. As of 10 p.m., officials said the blaze was 10% contained.

Officials say the blaze, located about 80 miles south of New York City, began as a brush fire earlier in the day and rapidly spread across the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area.

The fire is threatening 1,320 structures, and 3,000 residents have been evacuated. No injuries have been reported so far.

No injuries have been reported.

Officials in Ocean Township and Lacey Township have issued multiple evacuation orders:

Ocean Township: Wells Mills Road residents between Bryant Road and the Garden State Parkway must evacuate.

Lacey Township: Evacuation orders have been issued for the Pheasant Run Community, areas near Beach Boulevard, and surrounding streets including Clune Park, South River Drive, Sandy Hook Drive, and Orlando Drive.

Barnegat Township: A voluntary evacuation order is in place for Pheasant Run Barnegat. Officials say there is no immediate threat, but residents should be prepared in case conditions change.