BARNEGAT, NJ — A quickly spreading wildfire near the New Jersey shore caused officials to order evacuations and close part of the Garden State Parkway as dark smoke poured into the Jersey Shore region.

The Jones Road Wildfire sparked on Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Barnegat Township in Ocean County. As of Tuesday afternoon, it had consumed 1,200 acres and was uncontrolled.

According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, mandatory evacuations are in place on Wells Mills Road from Bryant Road to the Garden State Parkway and on Route 9 in Lacey Township.

Voluntary evacuations are in place for several areas of Barnegat Township, including: Windward, Mirage, Pheasant Run, Heritage Point North, Brookville and all houses on West Bay Avenue. 

The Parkway is closed in both directions at Exit 69 near Waretown, according to officials. Photos shared by the Garden State Parkway show smoke covering the highway and flames nearing the road.

According to the fire service, the fire is threatening at least 16 structures along Bryant Road and Wells Mills Road. All of those structures have been evacuated.

Dark smoke and ash can be seen across the Garden State Parkway in surrounding Ocean County communities to the north and east, including Toms River, and closer to the beach in Seaside Heights. 

Transportation officials warned afternoon commuters about heavy smoke in the area between Exit 74 in Lacey and the New Gretna Toll Plaza in Bass River. Smoke could be seen wafting across the highway on Parkway cameras near Barnegat.

Forest Fire Service fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews and air support are responding to the fire. 

The cause of the Jones Road Wildfire is under investigation. 

Drought levels in Ocean County are abnormally dry to moderate, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, but have been worsening over the past week. Nearly 80% of the Garden State is facing some level of drought. 

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