BARNEGAT, N.J. — A massive wildfire spanning 3,200 acres in Ocean and Lacey Townships prompted the evacuation of 3,000 residents Monday night as firefighting crews from New Jersey’s Forest Fire Service and local fire companies battled the blaze through intense backfiring operations.
Only 5% of the fire had been contained as of the latest update, with 1,320 structures under threat. The wildfire, dubbed the Jones Road Wildfire, continues to burn through densely wooded areas, with fire engines, bulldozers and numerous local and state agencies actively working to suppress its forward progress overnight.
Evacuation shelters have been established at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin and Manchester Township High School in Manchester. Both shelters are accommodating evacuees with pets. Officials have stated that evacuations will remain in place until containment improves.
The Garden State Parkway is currently shut down in both directions between Barnegat Road and Lacey Road and is scheduled to remain closed until midnight. Northbound traffic is open from Exit 74 and above, and southbound lanes are open from Exit 69 and below. Drivers are advised to plan for alternate routes Tuesday morning.
Route 9 is also closed between Route 532 and Lakeside Drive in Lacey Township. Additional closures include parts of Route 532, Bryant Road, and Jones Road. Local roads are also affected as emergency vehicles and heavy equipment operate in the area.
Power grid remains uncertain near Oyster Creek plant
As winds subside, heavy smoke is reducing visibility on area roadways, prompting officials to caution drivers to reduce speed and proceed with care. Residents have also been warned of a potential extended power outage due to damage to electrical infrastructure, particularly near the Oyster Creek nuclear plant.
The power grid status remains unknown as of Monday night.
Jersey Central Power & Light (JCPL) had previously cut power to the area to prevent fire outbreaks from downed or arcing wires.
Residents impacted by outages are urged to visit JCPL and Atlantic City Electric websites for updates.
Key Points
- Wildfire spans 3,200 acres with 5% containment; 3,000 residents evacuated
- Garden State Parkway and Route 9 among multiple major road closures
- Power grid near Oyster Creek nuclear plant remains in question
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire, which remains under investigation. No timeline for full containment has been released, with the next official update expected at 10 p.m. Tuesday.