New Jersey firefighters still fight massive flames in the southern part of the state. Officials say it could be the biggest wildfire in Garden State in the last 20 years.
The Jones Road wildfire that broke out Tuesday morning in Lacey and Ocean Township in Ocean County burned to 11,500 acres (18 square miles) and contains 30%.
Authorities estimate that the fire may not disappear completely until at least Saturday, based on upcoming weather patterns in the area, which had been exposed to severe drought until recently.
“We expect that number to increase. In the end we see that more acres will be affected,” Latourette said. He said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Around 1,300 people were threatened in the process of fighting the fire, but the housing structure was not burned.
New Jersey Forest Fire Department Chief Bill Donnelly noted a significant increase in wildfire activity this year compared to 2024.
“This time last year, we were in 310 wildfires with a total of 315 acres of burns,” Donnelly said. “This year, we’re in 662 wildfires on 16,572 acres at the same time. [26 square miles] But. “
Donnelly also noted that the fire in Vinesland, Cumberland County, which caught fire over the weekend, is currently burning on 1,327 acres (2 square miles), with 80% trapped.
The Jones Road wildfires evacuated the home to thousands of residents and closed 17-mile stretches on Garden State Park, Route 9, Route 532, Lakeside Drive, Jones Road, Bryant Road and Route 72.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
