If you noticed a smoky smell this morning you’re not mistaken, as smoke from the Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County has worked its way into Avalon and Cape May County. While the winds yesterday, April 22nd, largely directed the smoke out over the ocean, today they are coming from the North and blowing it in our direction. This is expected to continue throughout the morning before the wind shifts this afternoon.

As of the last update from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service at 11pm last night, the fire has consumed 8,500 acres and was 10% contained. 1,320 structures were under threat and approximately 3,000 residents had been safely evacuated to shelters around Ocean County, including the Southern Regional High School.

Several area roads were closed at various times yesterday and last night, including Rt. 532, Rt. 9, and the Garden State Parkway. Some of these roads remain closed or may need to be shut down again today, so if you are planning to travel through the area make sure to check the conditions first and have an alternate route ready. Of course, do not drive into any areas that appear to be actively burning.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service along with multiple local fire departments, rescue services, and government agencies are on the scene battling the blaze and offering aid to residents. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

UPDATE 4/23/25 9:40AM: The National Weather Service in Philadelphia has issued an Air Quality Alert for our area as a result of the smoke. It will remain in effect until midnight tonight. If you suffer from breathing difficulties, it is advised that you avoid outdoor activities and keep your windows and doors shut if possible.

UPDATE 4/23/25 2:10PM: According to the latest New Jersey Forest Fire Service update, the fire has no covered 12,000 acres of land but is 35% contained. The number of structures under threat has been reduced to 20 and evacuations for Lacey and Ocean Townships have been lifted. 1 commercial building has been confirmed destroyed as well as several outbuildings and vehicles, though assessment is still ongoing. Some roads in the region remain closed, though Rt. 9 and the Garden State Parkway are fully open at this time.

UPDATE 4/24/25 11:02AM: The Forest Fire Service now states that the fire is 50% contained and has consumed 15,000 acres. 8 structures are currently under threat and only unimproved roadways within the fire perimeter are closed at this time. Since the last update a 19-year-old Waretown man was charged with aggravated arson and arson in connection with this wildfire. It is alleged that he had ignited wooden pallets for a bonfire and left the scene without making sure they were fully extinguished.

Forest fire in Ocean county
byu/ToyKarma inSouthJersey