A massive wildfire in New Jersey’s Ocean County—known as the Jones Road fire—is burning across 15,000 acres of forest in the Pine Barrens, marking one of the largest wildfires in the state in two decades.
By early Thursday morning, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported the fire was 50 percent contained.
Newsweek reached out to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service by email for comment.
Why It Matters
The fire underscores the volatile fire risk in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, which state environmental officials compare to fuel models seen in the western U.S.
Smoke from the fire has significantly impacted air quality in the New York metropolitan area. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Thursday, with levels reaching the “orange” zone—unhealthy for sensitive groups—across New York City, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley, according to CBS New York.
What to Know
The fire quickly spread after it ignited on Tuesday, threatening more than 1,300 structures. At the peak, about 5,000 residents were ordered to evacuate. No injuries were reported, but one commercial building and several smaller structures were lost.
Power was cut to 25,000 customers as a precaution while firefighters tackled the flames. Evacuation orders have since been lifted, and utility crews have restored service to nearly all affected areas.
On Thursday morning, authorities announced the arrest of a 19-year-old man, Joseph Kling, who has been charged with aggravated arson. Investigators allege Kling started a bonfire with wooden pallets and left the scene without ensuring the flames were extinguished. He was taken into custody Wednesday and remains in the Ocean County jail awaiting a detention hearing, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a post on Facebook.
As firefighters continue to battle the flames, weather has the ability to aid or impede their efforts. Animated weather footage from windy.com provides a glimpse into forecasts that could affect the flames.
Temperature forecast
Abnormally warm temperatures have contributed to drought conditions across New Jersey, which have exacerbated the wildfire threat. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Mount Holly said that Thursday would bring continued warm, dry, and sunny weather.
The NWS said that “temperatures will generally be above average for areas of the Central and Eastern U.S.” in a Thursday forecast.
Fire danger
Animated weather footage from windy.com revealed that central New Jersey was experiencing moderate fire danger risk on Thursday. However, no red flag warnings are in place.
Rain forecast
Skies are clear on Thursday, with no rain anticipated across the state. Rain could aid firefighting efforts and saturate dry fuels, reducing their risk of igniting in the future. The next chance at rain will arrive on Friday and Saturday, meteorologists at NWS Mount Holly said.
Drought
Much of New Jersey has been battling dry conditions, with parts of the state experiencing more significant drought.
Wind gusts
Strong winds can cause rapid fire spread. As of Thursday morning, there are no wind-related weather warnings in place across New Jersey.
What People Are Saying
New Jersey Forest Fire Service in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday morning: “New Jersey Forest Fire Service continues to make progress containing a wildfire burning in Ocean & Lacey townships, Ocean County.”
An air quality official with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection previously told Newsweek in a statement: “Due to this being an active fire, we are monitoring the conditions and will update if necessary. The next chance of rain is this weekend, which may help improve air quality.”
What Happens Next
State and local officials remain on high alert as conditions remain dry. Rain is forecast for Friday into Saturday, which could assist firefighting efforts. Residents are advised to monitor real-time updates from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and heed any new evacuation orders. Air quality warnings remain active, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor exposure.
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