Breaking news: Massive Ocean County, NJ wildfire forces evacuations, threatens thousands of structures and…see more

Thousands of residents have been evacuated as the Jones Road Wildfire continues to rage across Ocean and Lacey townships. The fire is only 10% contained, with more than 1,300 structures under threat.

The fire, being referred to as the Jones Wildfire, was first reported by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service around 12:22 p.m. on Tuesday. As of 10 p.m., officials said the blaze was 10% contained.

Officials say the blaze, located about 80 miles south of New York City, began as a brush fire earlier in the day and rapidly spread across the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area.

The fire is threatening 1,320 structures, and 3,000 residents have been evacuated. No injuries have been reported so far.

No injuries have been reported.

Officials in Ocean Township and Lacey Township have issued multiple evacuation orders:

Ocean Township: Wells Mills Road residents between Bryant Road and the Garden State Parkway must evacuate.

Lacey Township: Evacuation orders have been issued for the Pheasant Run Community, areas near Beach Boulevard, and surrounding streets including Clune Park, South River Drive, Sandy Hook Drive, and Orlando Drive.

Barnegat Township: A voluntary evacuation order is in place for Pheasant Run Barnegat. Officials say there is no immediate threat, but residents should be prepared in case conditions change.

Shelter locations:

Waretown United Methodist Church, Bryant Road, Waretown
Southern Regional High School, open to evacuees and their pets
Emergency shelters have been opened at high schools in Manahawkin and Manchester Township.

Evacuation orders remain in place overnight as firefighting crews continue containment operations. The Barnegat Police Department is warning residents to prepare for an extended displacement and possible power outages.

Road closures:
A number of major roadways are closed due to the wildfire:

Garden State Parkway is closed in both directions between Barnegat Road and Lacey Road

Route 9 is closed between Route 532 and Lakeside Drive in Lacey Township
Route 532 (Wells Mills Road) between Route 72 and the Garden State Parkway
Bryant Road is closed between Wells Mills Road and Route 539
Jones Road is closed between Route 532 and Bryant Road

The Parkway is expected to remain closed until at least midnight, and drivers are advised to plan alternate routes for the morning commute.

Power Outages:
Jersey Central Power and Light reports that over 20,000 customers are without power in the affected area. Officials say power was preemptively shut off to prevent further risk from arcing lines. The status of the grid near the Oyster Creek nuclear facility is currently unknown.

With winds expected to calm overnight, smoke in the area is likely to increase, reducing visibility. Drivers are urged to use caution.

Residents affected by outages are encouraged to visit the JCP&L or Atlantic City Electric websites for updates.

What’s next:
A press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Coyle Field Air Attack Base. Officials from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, NJDEP, and county leadership will provide a formal update. The event will be in-person only and not livestreamed.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.