Direct link to NJFFS April 28th 2:07 PM PM Facebook Post
April 28th, 2:07 PM
The Jones Road Fire currently burning in Ocean and Lacey Townships in Ocean County was first reported around mid-day on April 22nd. The fire started in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area in Ocean County. The fire quickly grew with closures on the Garden State Parkway, Route 9 and local roads. Over 5,000 people were evacuated the evening of April 22nd when at least 3,000 structures were threatened. Evacuation orders were lifted the morning of April 23rd. No residences were destroyed. One commercial building, a few outbuildings and some vehicles were destroyed. The Garden State Parkway and Route 9 were reopened on April 23rd. To the best of my knowledge there have been no injures to firefighters or civilians. A Waretown man has been charged with aggravated arson and arson in connection with the Jones Road Fire.
The Jones Road Fire remains at 15,300 acres burned, no change in acreage burned in five days. However containment has increased to 75 percent. Local roads are open but unimproved roads within the fire perimeter remain closed. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service remains on scene. The NJFFS continues to receive assistance from two New Jersey Army Air National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters with 660 gallon buckets. The April 28th update from the NJ Forest Fire Service will be the last update on their social media platforms unless there are significant changes. Take some time to look at the photos of the fire.