Drought-Stricken New Jersey Battles Explosive 11,500-Acre Wildfire

Firefighters in southern New Jersey are working to contain a massive wildfire that has scorched over 11,500 acres of forest since igniting Tuesday morning. The Jones Road Wildfire, which started in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, rapidly expanded throughout the day as strong winds and drought conditions created perfect conditions for fire spread, forcing approximately 5,000 residents to evacuate from parts of Ocean and Lacey townships.

By Wednesday morning, officials reported the blaze was 30% contained as weather conditions improved and evacuation orders were lifted, allowing residents to return to their homes. The Garden State Parkway, which had been partially closed due to proximity to the flames, reopened in both directions, though more than 25,000 customers remained without power after lines were de-energized for firefighter safety.

The Latest Trending Headlines in Your Area:

“Averted a Major Disaster”

Despite the wildfire’s impressive size, authorities reported that no homes have been damaged and no injuries have occurred—a testament to the rapid response of emergency services. Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency for Ocean County Wednesday morning as containment efforts continued.

“Thanks to the incredible, heroic work of the good men and women of our New Jersey Forest Fire Service, folks’ homes and lives have been saved and we’ve truly averted a major disaster,” said Shawn M. LaTourette, New Jersey’s Commissioner of Environmental Protection, in statements reported by NBC News.

However, LaTourette cautioned that full control hasn’t yet been achieved, noting that “this could very well end up being the biggest wildfire in New Jersey in 20 years.” Officials expect the fire to continue burning for several more days, though its spread is likely to be limited to unpopulated areas.

Drought Conditions Fuel Flames

The wildfire’s explosive growth highlights New Jersey’s ongoing drought concerns. The state issued an official drought warning last month, citing “well-below average precipitation throughout the winter” that has created dangerously dry conditions across forests and grasslands.

According to statistics cited by CNN, approximately 7,000 acres of New Jersey’s forests burn each year on average. Tuesday’s fire has already surpassed that yearly average, and it’s only April—traditionally before the height of wildfire season in the Northeast.

The combination of dry vegetation, warm temperatures, and Tuesday’s strong winds—with gusts consistently between 15 and 25 mph—created ideal conditions for rapid fire spread. Wednesday’s improved conditions, including lighter winds of 5 to 10 mph and slightly higher humidity, have given firefighters a better chance to increase containment.

Commercial Damage and Power Outages

While residential areas appear to have been spared, commercial properties haven’t been as fortunate. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service confirmed Wednesday morning that one commercial building was destroyed, along with multiple outbuildings and vehicles. A complete damage assessment is still underway.

The decision to cut power to approximately 25,000 customers was made proactively to protect firefighting crews. Jersey Central Power and Light said in a statement that crews received clearance on Wednesday to assess potential fire damage to equipment. “After the equipment is cleared, lines will be re-energized,” the utility stated, estimating that Lacey Township should have power restored by Wednesday afternoon.

Smoke Impact Extends Far Beyond Fire Zone

The environmental impact extends well beyond the immediate burn area, with thick smoke creating hazardous air quality conditions. The Guardian reported that harrowing videos and photos shared on social media showed orange flames consuming the forest area and thick orange and black smoke rising into the sky.

Meteorologists predict that a significant wind shift on Wednesday will push smoke northward toward the New York City metropolitan area by Wednesday night. By Thursday morning, smoky skies could impact New York City, parts of Long Island, and north-central New Jersey, potentially affecting millions of residents with reduced air quality.

The wildfire is the second major forest fire in the region in less than a week, highlighting increasing concerns about wildfire risks in the Eastern United States. While the West has traditionally faced the brunt of wildfire threats, changing climate patterns and extended drought conditions have increased fire dangers across previously less vulnerable regions.

As containment efforts continue, fire officials remain cautiously optimistic but warn that complete control of the blaze will likely take several more days of sustained effort.