Wildfires have left an indelible mark on Ocean County over the years, testing the strength and preparedness of its communities.

The latest blaze, the Jones Road fire, joins a history of significant wildfires that have impacted communities around the region.

Jones Road fire, Ocean and Lacey townships

April 22-23, 2025: The Jones Road wildfire is raging through Ocean and Lacey townships and has consumed an estimated 8,500 acres of woodland. Approximately 3,000 residents were evacuated. The fast-moving blaze posed a serious threat to over 1,300 structures in the affected areas, triggering a large-scale response from local and state firefighting agencies. MORE COVERAGE.

Lakewood Country Club fire

Nov. 18-20, 2024:The fire burned 35 acres in the area of Pine Park and the Lakewood Country Club. Initially, the wildfire threatened six structures; however none were evacuated, fire officials said. Clearstream Road was also closed at the height of the fire.

Shotgun wildfire, Jackson

Nov. 6-8, 2024:The Shotgun fire reached 350 acres and threaten six structures. It also closed Stump Tavern Road from Route 571 to Route 528.

Fisher’s Pit fire, Berkeley

Sept. 9-11, 2024: The fire in the area of Fisher’s Pit in Berkeley burned approximately 200 acres. It was deemed accidental after investigators determined the cause was a campfire that was not properly extinguished, authorities said.

Whip-poor-will fire, Warren Grove

July 16-17, 2024: The fire at the Warren Grove Range of the New Jersey Air National Guard scorched 1,167 acres. The fire burned in a remote area of the forest and no structures were threatened.

Wharton State Forest fire

July 4-9, 2024: The fire measured 4,300 acres in the area of the Batona Campground and Apple Pie Hill in Wharton State Forest. Early on, two structures were threatened by the wildfire: one residential structure and one hunting club. The blaze was started by a firework device that was lit inside the forest.

Miller Air Park, Lacey

Sept. 2-5, 2023:An 883-acre wildfire was sparked by a single-engine plane crash. The pilot, Oscar Molina of Long Branch, was killed.

City Line wildfire, Manchester

June 9, 2023: The wildfire ignited in Manchester Township, Ocean County, and spread into neighboring Pemberton and Woodland townships in Burlington County. It consumed 711 acres. It required the response of multiple fire departments and forestry services to bring it under control.

Glory wildfire, Jackson

June 6-7, 2023:The 82-acre wildfire burned in the area of East Commodore Boulevard and Cedar Swamp Road. Thirty structures that were at risk.

Allen Road Wildfire, Bass River State Forest

May 31-June 3, 2023:The blaze torched 5,475-acres, threatened six structures and about 40 people were evacuated from Timberline Campground.

Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area, Little Egg Harbor

April 15-23, 2023: The 200-acre wildfire raged through the Bass River State Forest, the Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area and the Warren Grove Bombing Range. No evacuations were ordered and no residential buildings were threatened.

Jimmy’s Waterhole wildfire, Manchester

April 11-13, 2023:The fire spread across 3,859 acres in Ocean County, causing evacuations, road closures and threats to structures in the area. The fire started west of Route 539 on property of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Governor’s Branch wildfire, Little Egg Harbor

March 7-8, 2023: The fire started in a remote area of the Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area off Route 539. It grew to 418 acres and threatened 16 homes.

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Manchester

June 27, 2022:The fire burned 315 acres in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest on the boundary of Manchester and Woodland townships.

Whiting brush fire, Manchester

May 17, 2020:The fire burned 99 acres near Harry Wright Boulevard in Manchester.

Jake’s Branch fire, Berkeley

June 2, 2002: The fire in Berkeley left a trail of destruction in its wake. The Jake’s Branch Fire spread rapidly, consuming 1,277 acres and caused substantial damage to residential areas. The intense blaze destroyed three homes and 15 outbuildings. An additional 18 homes and outbuildings sustained serious damage.

Other Ocean County fires

• March 14-15, 2021: The 162-acre fire between Lakewood and Brick damaged 29 homes in Brick Lake Park — three of the damaged homes were deemed uninhabitable.
• April 4, 1995: A 19,225-acre wildfire swept through Manchester, Lacey and Ocean townships.
• May 3, 1992: Four major wildfires ignited and collectively burning approximately 14,000 acres. The severity of these blazes prompted the closure of the Garden State Parkway and the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station was temporarily shut down.