Thousands Flee as Massive Wildfire Shuts Down New Jersey’s Main Highway [WATCH]

Firefighting crews in New Jersey are continuing efforts to contain a fast-growing wildfire that erupted near the Jersey Shore this week, forcing thousands to evacuate and shutting down a major highway amid heavy smoke and spreading flames.

The Jones Road Wildfire ignited Tuesday within the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area in Ocean County, rapidly expanding in size and threatening hundreds of homes and businesses.

By Wednesday, the fire had scorched approximately 8,500 acres and remained just 10% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS).

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Roughly 3,000 residents were ordered to evacuate as the blaze approached nearly 1,320 structures in the area. Authorities have not confirmed any property damage as of Wednesday afternoon, but inspections were ongoing.

🚨BREAKING: Evacuations are in progress after a major wildfire erupted in Ocean County, New Jersey.

Over 3,200 acres consumed.
pic.twitter.com/qr8kxTtuGK

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 23, 2025

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Evacuations impacted communities along several major routes, including Highways 532, 539, 72, and 9.

Emergency shelters have been opened to accommodate displaced residents. Voluntary evacuation advisories were also issued for additional sections of Barnegat Township.

The Garden State Parkway, New Jersey’s busiest highway, was shut down for a five-mile stretch between exits 69 and 74 in both directions due to hazardous conditions caused by the wildfire.

Earlier on Tuesday, the closure had extended for 17 miles before being scaled back.

Officials with the Barnegat Police Department said the parkway would remain closed until at least midnight Wednesday and encouraged drivers to find alternate routes for their morning commute.

Images released by highway authorities showed thick smoke blanketing the roadway and flames approaching the parkway on Tuesday.

Barnegat police issued an update on social media Tuesday night, stating, “The fire has generally moved out of our area and firefighters are working diligently to extinguish any remaining pockets.

The town remains without power and we ask that everyone please be patient and use extra caution throughout the night and as we head out in the morning.”

The utility company Jersey Central Power & Light shut off power along parts of the parkway corridor due to fire conditions.

According to energy tracking service FindEnergy.com, more than 25,000 residents in Ocean County are currently without electricity.

“Residents should prepare for the possibility of an extended power outage as there may be damaged power lines and transformers,” police added.

Smoke and falling ash were reported across several Ocean County towns, including Toms River and the beachside community of Seaside Heights, located east of the wildfire’s core.

Winds have been carrying smoke across large areas, making conditions difficult for both emergency crews and residents.

Efforts to control the blaze have involved a coordinated response from the NJFFS, along with local fire departments, rescue squads, and state and county agencies.

Fire engines, bulldozers, and ground teams are all being deployed in the containment mission.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

According to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, Ocean County is experiencing drought conditions ranging from “abnormally dry” to “moderate,” with worsening conditions reported in the past week.

Statewide, nearly 80% of New Jersey is currently facing some degree of drought, increasing the wildfire risk.

Officials are urging residents to stay informed through local alerts and to obey evacuation orders and road closures as firefighting operations continue.

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