Ocean County, N.J. - A rapidly spreading wildfire has consumed at least 8,500 acres in the Barnegat and Waretown area, forcing the evacuation of more than 3,000 people, threatening more than 1,300 structures and knocking out power to more than 25,000 residents, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.

The fire, identified as the Jones Road Wildfire, started Tuesday morning, April 22, in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management area, and has become one of the worst recorded in the southern part of the state in recent years. The cause is still under investigation, FOX Weather indicated.

An unprecedented emergency

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported Tuesday night that the fire was only 10% contained. The flames quickly spread northward, reaching residential and industrial areas. Lacey Township Mayor Peter Curatola confirmed to the Asbury Park Press that three structures in the industrial park were affected, and one was completely destroyed.

BREAKING 🚨 New Jersey wild fire out of control. Frightening video emerging with evacuations happening pic.twitter.com/23LEj8Jzwj

— The Feed (@Feed_The_Feeds) April 23, 2025

 Authorities issued mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders in different sectors of Barnegat, Waretown and Lacey, including Beach Boulevard, Clune Park and the Pheasant Run community, local police detailed on social media.

According to the Asbury Park Press, shelters have been set up at:
- Southern Regional High School (which accepts pets),
- Manchester High School,
- Lacey Township Community Center, and
- United Methodist Church on Bryant Road.

Collapsed infrastructure

As reported by FOX Weather, the Garden State Parkway was closed in both directions between Exits 69 (Waretown) and 74 (Forked River), although in the afternoon the closure extended to Exit 63. Images shared by the Parkway Authority showed thick smoke and fire visible from the roadway.

Barnegat police warned on Facebook that due to the calm wind overnight, smoke buildup would increase, reducing visibility and hindering mobility.

Routes 9, 72, 532, 539 and multiple back roads have also been closed, turning many local roads into makeshift parking lots, the Asbury Park Press reported.

FindEnergy.com reported that more than 25,000 users in Ocean County were without power. As Barnegat police told FOX Weather, Jersey Central Power & Light shut off power from the Oyster Creek substation as a precautionary measure to protect emergency personnel.

Environmental Conditions

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Ocean County is experiencing abnormal to moderate drought conditions, and nearly 80% of the state of New Jersey faces some level of water shortage, exacerbating the risk of fire spread.

The New Jersey Forest Service reported that the operation involves water tankers, bulldozers, ground crews, helicopters capable of discharging up to 600 gallons of water, and observation aircraft. According to the same entity, a fire is classified as "major" when it exceeds 100 acres; this one exceeds that threshold by more than 80 times.

The authorities reiterated that the use of drones is strictly prohibited in the affected area: "If YOU fly, WE can't", they reminded through an official statement.