New Jersey Wildfire: Thousands Evacuated, Garden State Parkway Closed

Jones Road Fire Impact

• wildfire is raging in Ocean County, New Jersey, forcing thousands to evacuate.
• 🚗 Parts of the Garden State Parkway were closed in both directions due to the fire.
• ⚡ Approximately 25,000 people are without power in the affected areas.

Evacuations and Fire Details

• 🏠 Mandatory evacuations are in effect for parts of Ocean and Lacy townships, with voluntary evacuations in Barnaget Township.
• 🌳 The wildfire, named the Jones Road Fire, is burning in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area.
• 📈 The fire has consumed over 8,500 acres and is only 10% contained.

Community Impact and Response

• 🏢 Several businesses were destroyed and others damaged in Lacy Township, though no injuries have been reported.
• 🏫 Temporary shelters have been established in Toms River for those displaced by the fire.
• ⚠️ The suddenness of the fire, despite recent rainfall, has surprised residents and officials.
• 🚒 Fire crews are actively working to construct and reinforce containment lines.