Fire in the forest on Jones Road: how New Jersey is fighting the threat
23 april 2025 в 19:13
Yes, forest fires are a recurring natural phenomenon in New Jersey, especially in the Pine Barrens, a protected area covering 1.1 million acres in southern New Jersey. Due to the dry sandy soil and dense pine trees, this area is naturally prone to fires. To control the situation, officials often use controlled burns to manage the accumulation of shrubbery and reduce the risk of larger outbreaks.
Currently, the biggest issue is a forest fire on Jones Road, which is affecting the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area located in Ocean and Lacey counties in Ocean County. Fueled by strong wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour, the fire has already scorched over 13 square miles — about 8,500 acres — and threatened more than 1,300 buildings. At one point, a seven-mile stretch of the Garden State Parkway had to be temporarily closed due to approaching flames.
«Due to the rapid growth, with an estimated burn of 8,500 acres, threatening over 1,000 buildings, requiring the evacuation of residents in the area, and causing power outages for over 25,000 residents, I am declaring a State of Emergency in Ocean County», - said Way in a statement. «I urge all residents of the county to continue to monitor the appropriate channels and exercise caution, as well as follow all safety rules».
As of late Tuesday night, the forest fire on Jones Road was reported to be only 10% contained. However, by Wednesday morning, police in both Ocean Township and Lacey Township lifted evacuation orders, and the previously closed section of the Garden State Parkway was reopened. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries. Officials are still trying to determine what sparked the fire in the first place
Currently, the biggest issue is a forest fire on Jones Road, which is affecting the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area located in Ocean and Lacey counties in Ocean County. Fueled by strong wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour, the fire has already scorched over 13 square miles — about 8,500 acres — and threatened more than 1,300 buildings. At one point, a seven-mile stretch of the Garden State Parkway had to be temporarily closed due to approaching flames.
«Due to the rapid growth, with an estimated burn of 8,500 acres, threatening over 1,000 buildings, requiring the evacuation of residents in the area, and causing power outages for over 25,000 residents, I am declaring a State of Emergency in Ocean County», - said Way in a statement. «I urge all residents of the county to continue to monitor the appropriate channels and exercise caution, as well as follow all safety rules».
As of late Tuesday night, the forest fire on Jones Road was reported to be only 10% contained. However, by Wednesday morning, police in both Ocean Township and Lacey Township lifted evacuation orders, and the previously closed section of the Garden State Parkway was reopened. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries. Officials are still trying to determine what sparked the fire in the first place
© Smirnova Olga
