Wildfire burns 8,500 acres in Ocean County, state of emergency declared

Officials say the fire is currently 10% contained, and that 1,320 structures are threatened.

News 12 Staff

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Apr 23, 2025, 11:29 AM

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Updated 41 min ago

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service says 8,500 acres of land is burning in Ocean County.

They say the wildfire is in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, near Jones Road.

Officials say the fire is currently 10% contained, and that 1,320 structures are threatened.

Over 3,000 residents were evacuated but all mandatory evacuations in Ocean Township have been lifted effective immediately, allowing residents to return home, police said.

Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way has declared a State of Emergency in Ocean County due to the Jones Road Wildfire in the Greenwood Forest Wildfire Management Area near Lacey, Ocean, and Barnegat townships. Way says at this time there is no loss of life and no homes have been harmed.