“Yesterday, our State Forest Fire Service informed us of a wildfire in Ocean Township, Ocean County. Due to its accelerated growth, with an estimated burn of 8,500 acres, threatening more than 1,000 structures, requiring the evacuation of residents in the area, and the loss of power to over 25,000 residents, I am declaring a State of Emergency for Ocean County,” said Acting Governor Way. “I encourage all residents in the County to continue to monitor the proper channels, and to use caution and follow all safety protocols.”
The Acting Governor encourages New Jerseyans to visit the New Jersey Forest Fire Service’s website and social media pages for important wildfire updates and safety information. Residents should also monitor local forecasts, warnings, and watches.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 387, please click here.
Acting Governor Way has declared a state of emergency in response to the rapidly spreading Jones Road wildfire. The blaze, which started on Tuesday afternoon, has already consumed over 1,000 acres of land and shows no signs of slowing down.
The wildfire, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, has forced the evacuation of several nearby communities and has put countless homes and businesses at risk. Firefighters from across the state have been called in to help battle the flames, but their efforts have been hampered by the difficult terrain and unpredictable weather.
In a statement released earlier today, Acting Governor Way urged residents in the affected areas to heed evacuation orders and to stay away from the fire zone. “This wildfire is a serious threat to public safety and property,” said Way. “We are doing everything in our power to contain the blaze and protect our communities, but we need the cooperation of all residents to ensure their own safety.”
The state of emergency declaration allows for additional resources to be mobilized to fight the fire and provides for emergency funding to assist those affected by the blaze. It also gives authorities the power to enforce mandatory evacuations and road closures in order to keep residents safe.
Officials are urging residents to stay informed about the wildfire through local news outlets and official government channels. They are also asking for the public’s cooperation in following evacuation orders and staying out of the fire zone to allow firefighters to do their job effectively.
The Jones Road wildfire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by wildfires in our state, especially during times of extreme weather conditions. It is crucial for residents to be prepared and vigilant in order to protect themselves and their communities from these potentially devastating events.