A State Of Emergency Has Been Declared In New Jersey As Wildfire Rages
on Apr 23, 2025
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The Fire Is Only 30% Contained
A state of emergency has been declared in New Jersey as a fire rages on.
According to ABC, the fires started in Ocean County around 12:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday. As of Wednesday morning (April 23rd), the Jones Road Wildfire was only 10% contained, and its flames were devouring over 8,500 acres.
As of Wednesday afternoon at 12:00 p.m. ET, the fire is 30% contained and 11,500 acres.
The fire threatens over 1000 structures in its path and has forced approximately 3000 evacuations thus far.
The speed of the fire’s growth and the current weather in the area forced New Jersey Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way to declare a state of emergency.
Way is the acting Governor of New Jersey, and Gov. Phil Murphy is currently out of the country.
Way shared in a statement,
“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. I encourage all residents in the County to continue to monitor the proper channels, and to use caution and follow all safety protocols.”
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Local Residents Respond To The Fire
“I hope that I have a home to return back to,” an evacuee shared with ABC as they fled the fire.
The fire is located south of Toms River along the Garden State Parkway, close to one of the state’s busiest highways.
“As the day progressed, it was kind of scary,” said evacuated resident Michael Ferrara when discussing his choice to flee or not with ABC. He shared that he originally did not choose to leave, but once he saw the smoke, he listened to the evacuation orders.
He continued, “But what are you going to take with you—birth certificates, passports? It’s just a very eerie feeling.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The local authorities expect to fully contain the fire even though they have “a lot of work to do.” See the most recent update below.
This is a developing story, and our hearts go out to those affected.
