Thousands of residents in Ocean County, New Jersey, were ordered to evacuate on Tuesday as a wildfire raged out of control. The Jones Road Forest Fire has burned approximately 3,200 acres and was only 5% contained by the evening. Authorities reported that around 3,000 people were forced to leave their homes due to the advancing flames.
The fire has disrupted power for about 23,000 customers of JCP&L, the local utility company. Emergency services have been working tirelessly, deploying fire engines, bulldozers, and ground crews to combat the blaze. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service confirmed that they are actively engaged in the fight, along with numerous local and state partners.
This wildfire has also threatened over 1,300 structures, prompting officials to close several roads in the area. Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as terrifying, with flames towering over buildings in an industrial complex in Lacey Township. Videos shared on social media show the massive fire sweeping through the forest, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, it’s worth noting that New Jersey typically experiences an average of 1,500 wildfires each year, damaging around 7,000 acres of forest. Currently, more than half of the state is under a high fire risk, exacerbated by moderate and severe drought conditions reported by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Wind gusts reaching up to 25 miles per hour have further fueled the fire’s spread. As the situation continues to develop, residents and emergency services remain on high alert.