New Jersey wildfire shuts major highway, forces thousands to evacuate
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A rapidly spreading wildfire in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens led to the evacuation of around 3,000 people with the temporary closure of a major section of the Garden State Parkway on Tuesday.
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The Garden State Parkway is seen set ablaze, Ocean County, New Jersey, on April 23, 2025 (Garden State Parkway/X)
A fast-moving wildfire in the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey forced the evacuation of around 3,000 residents on Tuesday and led to the temporary closure of a major highway.
Named the Jones Road Forest Fire, the blaze had spread across roughly 8,500 acres by 11 pm ET, with only 10% of it contained. The fire had been burning for about nine hours before it was first reported by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service near Barnegat Township in Ocean County.
People living in Ocean and Lacey townships were ordered to evacuate for safety. No injuries were reported at the time.
According to a post by the fire service on X late Tuesday, the wildfire was threatening approximately 1,320 buildings. Officials also confirmed that a stretch of the Garden State Parkway, from exits 63 to 80, was shut down for several hours while traffic was rerouted.
STRUCTURES THREATENED
— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) April 23, 2025
⚠️ Approximately 1,320 structures threatened
⚠️ Approximately 3,000 residents evacuated
Damage assessments underway.
Multiple evacuation shelters have been established. Southern Regional High School is open to evacuees with pets.
Cause and climate change impact
The fire broke out during a period of high wildfire risk, as the region is currently facing dry to severely dry conditions, based on data from the US Drought Monitor.
Experts point to climate change as a major reason behind the rising number and intensity of wildfires, as well as the increased likelihood of drought conditions that help fuel them.
Global average temperatures hit a record high in 2024, exacerbating extreme heatwaves, storms, and floods that affected billions worldwide. This marked the first time the planet exceeded the 1.5°C (2.7°F) threshold agreed upon as a target under the Paris Climate Accord. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the fossil fuel industry, saying it was “pocketing profits while their products wreak havoc.”
Wildfires, particularly in the Americas, emitted billions of tonnes of CO₂ in 2024, further exacerbating the climate crisis into the cycle of CO₂ into the atmosphere in 2024, intensifying the climate crisis and contributing to a vicious cycle where rising emissions fuel more frequent and severe wildfires.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, noted on X that overnight conditions were beginning to ease slightly, with cooler temperatures and lighter winds expected.
A bit cooler and dry tonight with winds diminishing. The theme of above normal temperatures will continue through the end of the week, with highs in the 70s to near 80° (60s for the coast). Next chance of showers/storms arrives Friday night & Saturday. #PAwx #NJwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/BAvnnTpakO
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) April 22, 2025
"The theme of above normal temperatures will continue through the end of the week, with highs in the 70s to near 80° (60s for the coast)," it said. "Next chance of showers/storms arrives Friday night & Saturday."
