The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has continued to make progress fighting the Jones River wildfire. The service reported the fire was 65% contained by Sunday morning April 27.
However, the service repeated a warning from the National Weather Service that there is an increased risk for rapid fire spread across portions of southern New Jersey due to low humidity values and northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with 30 to 40 mph gusts. “These conditions, along with the continued drying of fine fuels, could support the rapid spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control,” the service warned.
The fire had burned 15,300 acres as of Sunday morning.
No injuries have been reported. About four structures remain under threat. One commercial building has been destroyed and multiple outbuildings and vehicles have been damaged
The fire started on April 22 and has spread throughout the southern Ocean County area.
Update on New Jersey Wildfire: Suspect Charged With Arson
New Jersey officials announced last Wednesday that a 19-year old man has been charged with arson in connection with the wildfire. Joseph Kling of Waretown failed to properly extinguish a bonfire of wooden pallets, according to state and county officials. They said an investigation revealed that Kling set wooden pallets on fire – and then left the area without the fire being fully extinguished.
According to officials, Kling was taken into custody and then transported to the Ocean County jail, where he is awaiting a detention hearing.
Like all defendants, Kling is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Forecast Calls for Wildfires to Burn More Land Across US This Year
A new report by AccuWeather says that abnormally dry conditions and warm weather could boost the fire danger along the Eastern Seaboard through the rest of this spring. The spring fire risk on the East Coast extends as far south as parts of southern Florida, according to the forecast.
Top Photo: Firefighters battle a wildfire in Lacey Townships, N.J. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection via AP)
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