Firefighters are committed to staying on the scene throughout the night in order to safeguard the affected areas from the ongoing Ocean County wildfire. This intense wildfire, which ignited on Tuesday morning, has already devastated more than 13,000 acres of land, prompting urgent evacuations for thousands of residents.
The flames expanded rapidly, leading to emergency evacuations on Tuesday. “It’s impressive to see the intensity of those fire runs that made their way last night,” stated John Cecil, the assistant commissioner of State Parks for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The wildfire, known as the Jones Road wildfire, is currently burning across Ocean and Lacey townships, particularly near the Greenwood Forest Wildfire Management area.
According to Cecil, these wildfires have an alarming capability of generating their own energy and fueling further growth. As a precaution, evacuation orders were not lifted until Wednesday morning, when a state of emergency was officially declared.
Officials reported that the wildfire has led to the destruction of one commercial building, along with several cabins and vehicles. “There are still embers that rain down and shower down,” warned Division Forest Fire Warden Trevor Raynor. “There’s always a firefighter at the end of those embers putting those embers out, which has made our efforts successful.”
Fire officials emphasize that even seemingly small fires can escalate dramatically under current dry, windy weather conditions. Raynor noted, “A nice clear sky today, low humidity, winds, and warm temperatures create a perfect environment for fire spread.”
As the wildfire continues to pose significant risks, firefighters remain vigilant in their efforts to contain the flames and protect both lives and property in the area.
