Live Blog EndedApr 24, 2025
- A massive wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, burned thousands of acres, forced thousands of evacuations, destroyed a business and closed several roads.
- The fire began shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, at the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area in Barnegat Township, Ocean County.
- The fire spread to Lacey Township where it destroyed a business. It also spread to Ocean Township, sending massive plumes of white smoke into the air.
- As of Wednesday, April 23, at 7 p.m., the “Jones Road Wildfire” had burned 13,250 acres, threatened 12 structures and was 50% contained.
- The fire closed a stretch of the Garden State Parkway and caused thousands of power outages on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the stretch of the Garden State Parkway was reopened and power was restored for JCP&L customers.
- The fire forced around 5,000 Lacey and Ocean Townships residents to evacuate. The evacuation order was lifted on Wednesday and people were able to return to their homes.
- Multiple resources were deployed to fight the fire, including local, county and state fire services. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
- During a late Wednesday morning press conference, New Jersey’s Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn LaTourette said the fire could end up being the largest in the state in the past 20 years.
Editor’s Note (April 24, 2025, 6:23 a.m.): Get live wildfire updates throughout Thursday by clicking here.
A wildfire that officials say could end up being the largest in New Jersey in the past 20 years continues to burn in Ocean County. Follow along for live updates.
