LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Aerial surveillance photos released Wednesday revealed the extensive swaths of forestland destroyed by the Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, which has torched approximately 12,000 acres and remains only 35% contained as of early afternoon.
The wildfire, which erupted earlier this week, tore through dense woodland and crept dangerously close to residential areas in Lacey Township. According to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, hundreds of homes were narrowly saved thanks to the coordinated efforts of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and local emergency crews.
Key Points
- The Jones Road Wildfire has burned roughly 12,000 acres in Ocean County, New Jersey.
- The fire is currently 35% contained, with full containment expected to take several more days.
- Aerial photos show widespread deforestation, though no homes were lost due to emergency response efforts.
Officials credit emergency response with averting greater disaster
“The Jones Road Wildfire came perilously close to communities like this one in Lacey Township,” LaTourette posted on social media. “The heart and heft of Forest Fire Service members and local partners saved hundreds of homes from destruction.”
At 10 a.m. Wednesday, a surveillance flight captured the scale of destruction, showing barren swaths where green canopy once stood. Officials said these images highlight how close the flames came to populated areas before being pushed back.
By 1 p.m., containment had reached 35%, but LaTourette emphasized the danger was far from over. “The Jones Road Wildfire will likely take days to fully contain and extinguish,” he said.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy reposted multiple updates, commending the response teams and urging residents to remain cautious.
Surveillance images capture scale of environmental loss
The wildfire, which ignited under dry, windy conditions, has prompted a full-scale response involving state, local, and regional agencies. While officials have not confirmed the fire’s cause, crews continue to monitor hot spots and reinforce containment lines.
LaTourette added that all surveillance photos and video were taken from the air early Wednesday morning, and that “conditions have improved since.” Despite that improvement, heavy smoke and charred terrain continue to pose hazards.
Residents of Lacey Township expressed relief after a “collective sigh” swept the area, as firefighters stopped the flames from reaching backyards and homes.
As containment operations continue, authorities are assessing environmental damage and monitoring for potential flare-ups.
Firefighters remain in woods as flames held back from homes
The fire is one of the largest in New Jersey in recent years and comes amid heightened concern over wildfire risks throughout the Northeast.
LaTourette concluded his update by thanking responders and residents: “To every service member, first responder, and partner … and every affected resident navigating so patiently through this incident: THANK YOU.”
The Jones Road Wildfire remains under investigation as emergency crews work to bring it fully under control.
A wall of flames tore through New Jersey woods, but heroic efforts kept it from becoming a neighborhood nightmare.