BARNEGAT, N.J. — Thousands of New Jersey residents who were forced to flee the fast-moving flames of a wildfire Tuesday have been given the all-clear to return home. However, officials are urging people to remain vigilant as thick smoke continues to choke communities close to the Jersey Shore.
The Jones Road Wildfire sparked in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Barnegat Township in Ocean County and quickly exploded in size, nearly tripling its acreage in a short period of time.
As of Wednesday, it had consumed about 8,500 acres and was only 10% contained.
New Jersey Acting Gov. Tahesha Way declared a State of Emergency in Ocean County starting at 8 a.m. due to the ongoing response to the Jones Road Wildfire.
“(Tuesday), our State Forest Fire Service informed us of a wildfire in Ocean Township, Ocean County. Due to its accelerated growth, with an estimated burn of 8,500 acres, threatening more than 1,000 structures, requiring the evacuation of residents in the area, and the loss of power to over 25,000 residents, I am declaring a State of Emergency for Ocean County,” Acting Gov. Way said in a statement. “I encourage all residents in the County to continue to monitor the proper channels, and to use caution and follow all safety protocols.”
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A ‘CONTROLLED’ FIRE AND A ‘CONTAINED’ FIRE?
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said about 3,000 people were ordered to evacuate as the flames threatened about 1,320 structures. However, on Wednesday morning, those who were told to evacuate were allowed to return home.
“All evacuation orders have been lifted,” the Lacey Township Police Department said on Facebook. “Residents are free to return to their homes. Use caution when traveling in the area as heavy smoke conditions remain in the area.”
The NJFFS said damage assessments were underway.
HOW TO BEST PREPARE YOUR HOMES FOR WILDFIRES
The busy Garden State Parkway was fully reopened early Wednesday morning after the dangerous conditions in the area forced officials to shut down a 17-mile stretch while the fire raged. Photos shared by the Garden State Parkway showed smoke covering the highway and flames nearing the road earlier Tuesday. Barnegat Police advised residents to plan an alternate travel route to work for the Wednesday commute.
WHAT TO DO IF A WILDFIRE PROMPTS A POWER OUTAGE
Jersey Central Power & Light cut power along the Garden State Parkway due to the wildfire, according to the Barnegat Police Department. More than 25,000 people were without power in Ocean County as of Wednesday, according to FindEnergy.com.
“Residents should prepare for the possibility of an extended power outage as there may be damaged power lines and transformers,” Barnegat Police said.
The cause of the Jones Road Wildfire is under investigation.
Drought levels in Ocean County are abnormally dry to moderate, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, but have been worsening over the past week. Nearly 80% of the Garden State is facing some level of drought.
