Lacey Township, N.J. – Road closures and emergency response efforts continue Wednesday in Ocean County, where a 30% contained wildfire has scorched 11,500 acres across Lacey and Ocean Townships.
According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, crews are battling the Jones Road Wildfire with engines, bulldozers, aircraft, and ground teams. Although evacuations for approximately 5,000 residents were lifted late Tuesday, 20 structures remain under threat. One commercial building and multiple vehicles have been destroyed.
Route 532 between Route 72 and the Garden State Parkway remains closed, along with sections of Bryant Road and Jones Road. Wells Mills Park is also shut down. Garden State Parkway and Route 9 have reopened.
Officials urge drivers to avoid the impacted area and residents to stay alert. The fire’s cause is still under investigation. Crews continue damage assessments as containment efforts progress.
This marks one of New Jersey’s largest wildfires in recent years. More updates are expected around 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Warnings remain active in the fire zone, and aerial restrictions are in place — including a ban on drones.
