By Pat Sharkey, TapInto Barnegat Published April 23, 2025 at 9:59 AM
SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – As of Wednesday morning, April 23, 2025, the fast-moving wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, which started on Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, continues to burn, but significant progress has been made.
Here’s the latest information from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service:
Key Updates:
- Evacuation Orders Lifted: All mandatory evacuation orders for Ocean and Lacey Townships have been lifted, and residents are allowed to return to their homes. This includes areas west of the Garden State Parkway to Route 9.
- Roads Reopened: The Garden State Parkway has reopened between Barnegat and Lacey Roads (exits 63 and 74). Route 9 has also reopened from Lakeside Drive to County Road 532. However, some secondary and tertiary roads may still be closed.
- Containment: As of late Tuesday night, the fire was reported to be about 10% contained after burning approximately 8,500 acres (over 13 square miles). An update on containment is expected at a press conference later this morning.
- Initially, over 1,300 structures were threatened by the fire. Authorities have stated that no homes have been harmed in Ocean Township, but there are reports of some structural damage in Lacey Township. Damage assessments are underway.
- Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) had cut power to about 25,000 customers as a safety precaution. Power is expected to remain out for some time, with no specific timetable for restoration.
- The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
- There have been no immediate reports of injuries.
- Acting Governor Tahesha Way has declared a State of Emergency for Ocean County to facilitate the movement of resources to the affected area.
Related:
Pine Barrens fire today: 11,500 acres burned. Fire 30% contained
If you like this post, you’ll love our daily environmental newsletter, EnviroPolitics. It’s packed daily with the latest news, commentary, and legislative updates from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware…and beyond. Please do not take our word for it, try it free for a full month
