Fire officials: Jones Road wildfire in Ocean County 75% contained
Officials say that as of Monday at noon, the fire has consumed 15,300 acres of land in the six days that it has been burning.
More Stories
The Jones Road wildfire in Ocean County is now 75% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Officials say that as of Monday at noon, the fire has consumed 15,300 acres of land in the six days that it has been burning. The fire was first reported on Tuesday in the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area. It was spotted from the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower.
Several hours after the fire was first reported, officials evacuated about 5,000 residents in Ocean and Lacey townships as a precaution. They were allowed back inside their homes about a day later.
RELATED: Residents on high alert as Jones Road Wildfire continues to smolder
RELATED: Jones Road Wildfire is 65% contained; 15,300 acres burned
“One commercial building was destroyed in the fire, along with multiple outbuildings and vehicles throughout the fire area. A complete damage assessment is ongoing,” Officials wrote.
Monday coverage
Authorities have charged a 19-year-old Waretown man in connection to the fire. Officials say that Joseph Kling intentionally set pallets of wood on fire. He faces several charges, including aggravated arson.
No injuries were reported as a result of the wildfire.
