🔥 Barnegat Wildfire Emergency: Everything You Need to Know About the Jones Road Wildfire (Updated April 22, 2025)

🔥 Current Wildfire Snapshot (As of April 22, 2025 – 10 PM)

• Name: Jones Road Wildfire

• Location: Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area

• Towns Affected: Barnegat, Ocean (Waretown), and Lacey

• Acres Burned: 3,200

• Containment: 5%

• Structures at Risk: 1,320

• Residents Evacuated: Over 3,000

• Cause: Under investigation

• Winds: 15–20 mph, westward

🗺️ Affected Areas & Evacuations

🔴 Mandatory Evacuations

• Wells Mills Road, Ocean Township – From Bryant Rd to Garden State Parkway

• Route 9, Lacey Township – Areas adjacent to the fire’s northern progression

🟠 Voluntary Evacuations (Barnegat Township):

• Windward

• Mirage

• Pheasant Run

• Heritage Point North

• Brookville

• West Bay Avenue Corridor

Local officials urge residents in voluntary zones to prepare for rapid evacuation should wind shifts change the fire's direction.

🚧 Road Closures

Expect detours and do not attempt to bypass barricades—you may interfere with fire suppression crews or endanger yourself.

🚒 Containment Efforts

As of 8:00 PM, containment remains limited at 5%, due to:

• Dry pine forest fuel

• Winds pushing the blaze east and north

Firefighting Strategies:

• Air Tanker Drops: Tanker 81 and a 300-gallon helicopter are actively dumping water and fire retardant

• Ground Crews: Bulldozers and hose lines are establishing fire breaks

• Backfiring Operations: Controlled burns are being used to cut off fuel ahead of the blaze

• Incident Command Post: Operating from Wells Mills Park, with unified coordination between NJ Forest Fire Service and local fire departments

Hundreds of personnel from across Ocean County are engaged in a coordinated containment effort. Power lines have been deactivated in key areas to allow safe aerial and ground response.

🏠 Emergency Shelter & Relief Support

✅ Primary Shelter (Pet-Friendly):

Southern Regional High School
📍 90 Cedar Bridge Rd, Manahawkin, NJ

• Provides cots, food, medical aid, and pet accommodation

• Staffed by Red Cross volunteers and local officials

If you are displaced or unsure whether to evacuate, this is your first stop. The shelter is open 24/7 as long as evacuation orders remain in effect.

⚡ Power Outages

Jersey Central Power & Light shut down circuits near the fire zone affecting over 25,000 residents across Barnegat, Lacey, and Waretown. Crews are working to restore service once safe. Residents should be prepared for extended outages—charge devices and stock flashlights and batteries.

🆘 How to Get Help or Contribute

Organizations Supporting Relief Efforts:

If you want to help:

• Donate to verified charities

• Share accurate information via social media

• Avoid the area to keep roads clear for emergency response

📢 Stay Informed

Stay up to date with trusted, real-time sources:

• NJ Forest Fire Service: NJFFS Website

• Ocean County Sheriff’s Office: Facebook / Twitter

• News12 New Jersey & NJ.com: Real-time alerts

• X (Twitter): @LakewoodScoop, @NJForestFire, @OCSheriff

🚨 Final Thoughts

The Jones Road Wildfire is one of the most aggressive wildfires in recent New Jersey memory—growing from 150 to 3,200 acres in less than 12 hours. While firefighters are making progress, this emergency is far from over. Whether you're a resident, real estate professional, or a concerned neighbor, now’s the time to:

• Prepare or execute evacuation plans

• Check on vulnerable friends, family, or clients

• Support local relief efforts with your time or donations

As this story develops, we'll continue to provide updates right here. In the meantime, stay safe, stay informed, and stay ready.