The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported continued progress in fighting the Jones River wildfire, with the fire being 75% contained by noon on Monday, April 28.
Officials said crews will remain on the scene for the next several days to continue to improve containment lines and address areas of concern “until significant precipitation occurs” to ensure public safety.
The fire has burned 15,300-acres in the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust’s Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area.
A Waretown man has been charged with arson in connection with the blaze.
No injuries have been reported. About four structures remain under threat. One commercial building has been destroyed and multiple outbuildings and vehicles have been damaged. A complete damage assessment is in process.
The fire service repeated a warning from the National Weather Service that there is an increased risk for rapid fire spread across most of New Jersey and Delaware due to low humidity values and northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with 30 mph gusts. “These conditions, along with the continued drying of fine fuels, could support the rapid spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control,” the service warned.
Officials said that smoke is expected to remain present until significant rain falls over the fire area. Visitors to the area have been advised to exercise caution as trees within the fire area may be weakened.
The fire was first spotted on April 22 at the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower at 9:45 a.m. That evening, the wildfire crossed the Garden State Parkway, leading to the evacuation of approximately 5,000 residents in Ocean and Lacey townships. Additionally, Route 9 and Route 532 (Wells Mills Road) were closed early on in the firefight.
Update on New Jersey Wildfire: Suspect Charged With Arson
New Jersey officials announced last Wednesday that a 19-year old man has been charged with arson in connection with the wildfire. Joseph Kling of Waretown failed to properly extinguish a bonfire of wooden pallets, according to state and county officials. They said an investigation revealed that Kling set wooden pallets on fire – and then left the area without the fire being fully extinguished.
According to officials, Kling was taken into custody and then transported to the Ocean County jail, where he is awaiting a detention hearing.
Like all defendants, Kling is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Forecast Calls for Wildfires to Burn More Land Across US This Year
A recent report by AccuWeather says that abnormally dry conditions and warm weather could boost the fire danger along the Eastern Seaboard through the rest of this spring. The spring fire risk on the East Coast extends as far south as parts of southern Florida, according to the forecast.
Top Photo: Firefighters battle a wildfire in Lacey Townships, N.J. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection via AP)
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