OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — A persistent smoke advisory remains in effect for parts of Ocean County as the Jones Road Wildfire, first reported Tuesday, continues to send smoke across Lacey and Ocean townships, authorities said.
New Jersey Forest Fire Service crews are working to strengthen containment lines, extinguish hotspots, and monitor the wildfire’s perimeter. Officials cautioned motorists traveling the Garden State Parkway not to report smoke unless active flames are seen.
Key Points:
- Jones Road Wildfire has been burning since Tuesday, April 22.
- Smoke heavily impacts Lacey and Ocean townships.
- Residents with respiratory issues are advised to stay indoors and close windows.
The Forest Fire Service warned the public to stay out of the fire area to avoid safety risks and to prevent interference with firefighting operations. “Entering the area not only puts your safety at risk, but also disrupts our firefighting efforts,” officials said in the advisory.
The smoke condition is primarily caused by interior pockets of unburned material within the containment zone and by fire burning into the soil’s duff layer, intensifying smoke output.
Wildfire containment efforts continue amid hazardous conditions
Evening and overnight hours are expected to see smoke settling lower to the ground due to increased humidity. Smoke conditions will likely persist until a significant rainfall event occurs, fire officials stated.
Residents with respiratory conditions are being urged to keep windows closed and limit outdoor activities as a precaution against smoke exposure.
Community urged to remain cautious as smoke lingers
As firefighting efforts continue around the clock, the Forest Fire Service maintains that the area remains dangerous and advises strict avoidance of impacted zones.