Ocean Township, N.J. – Thousands of Ocean and Lacey Township residents are returning home after mandatory evacuations were lifted late Wednesday, but major road closures remain as the Jones Road wildfire continues burning across 13,250 acres in Ocean County.
According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the blaze is now 50% contained as of 10 p.m. Wednesday. Bryant Road is still closed between Wells Mills Road (Rt. 532) and Rt. 539, and Jones Road remains shut between Rt. 532 and Bryant Road. Wells Mills Road has reopened, but drivers should remain alert for emergency vehicles and smoke-reduced visibility in the area.
Twelve structures are still threatened, and officials urge residents in the affected zones to stay ready to act quickly if conditions change. The wildfire triggered evacuation orders for approximately 5,000 people on April 22; those orders have now been lifted as fire crews make progress. No structures have been reported lost, but utility disruptions and poor air quality may persist.
Residents are advised to avoid the closed roads, keep windows shut, and prepare for shifting smoke or renewed emergency orders. Updates are expected by 10 a.m. Thursday as crews continue containment efforts and monitor for hot spots. Further advisories could be issued if conditions worsen.
