Thousands Evacuate as Wildfire Engulfs New Jersey!

2025-04-23 12:03:01.123

A raging wildfire tore through 8,500 acres in New Jersey on Tuesday, prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents and the closure of a significant portion of the Garden State Parkway. The Jones Road Wildfire, which started around 11 a.m. in Lacey and Ocean townships, Ocean County, quickly spread, fueled by abnormally dry conditions. Firefighters battled the blaze throughout the night using various resources, including air support and bulldozers, but containment remained low at 10% by 10:46 p.m. Approximately 3,000 residents received evacuation orders, with 1,320 homes and buildings threatened. Emergency shelters were set up for evacuees. Road closures impacted 17 miles of the Garden State Parkway, along with Route 9, Route 532, Lakeside Drive, Jones Road, Bryant Road, and Route 72. Around 25,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages due to preventative measures by Jersey Central Power & Light to ensure firefighter safety. Images showed flames ripping through wooded areas, billowing smoke, and the fire's glow visible from space. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.