A gigantic, rapidly expanding wildfire erupted in Ocean County, New Jersey on Tuesday, sparking mass evacuations. Thousands of people have been evacuated, with over 8,500 acres on fire at this time. Several roads have also been closed. Footage of the massive blaze is going viral online: BREAKING: Evacuations are in progress after a major wildfire erupted in Ocean County, New Jersey. Over 3,200 acres consumed. pic.twitter.com/qr8kxTtuGK — Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 23, 2025 There is currently a major wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey. Second FF fire this year this year. pic.twitter.com/IcwJ2IkBoF — X22 Report (@X22Report) April 23, 2025 Wildfire in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey is growing. Take a moment to pray for those in its path. Thank you.pic.twitter.com/VLDs8xdtdw — dei gratia (@DeiGratia64) April 23, 2025 The New Jersey Forest Fire Service posted: WILDFIRE UPDATE: Jones Road Wildfire – Ocean & Lacey Townships, Ocean County New Jersey Forest Fire Service remains on scene of a wildfire burning in Ocean & Lacey Townships, Ocean County. SIZE & CONTAINMENT 8,500 acres 10% contained pic.twitter.com/6rN2Ku9e5N — New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) April 23, 2025 NJ.com has the latest update: A massive, rapidly expanding wildfire has surged to 8,500 acres in Ocean County as of Tuesday night and forced the evacuation of 3,000 residents along with multiple closures of major roads. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the “Jones Road Forest Fire” is 10% contained as 10:46 p.m. and a total of 1,320 structures were being threatened by the flames. “Multiple evacuation shelters have been established,” the Forest Fire Service said. “Southern Regional High School is open to evacuees with pets.” About 25,000 homes and businesses were without power in the area as JCP&L cut power to protect the firefighters. Power was expected remain out throughout the night, according to a statement from JCP&L. The “forced outage” de-energized all lines in and out of the company’s Oyster Creek substation at the request of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service as they worked to contain the blaze, the power company said. 6ABC added: A raging wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, consumed thousands of acres Tuesday night, forcing residents to flee from their homes. The wildfire was reported Tuesday at the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area in neighboring Barnegat Township. The blaze has grown to 8,500 acres in size and is 10% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said just before 11 p.m. Offiicals said approximately 1,320 structures were still being threatened. According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, roughly 3,000 residents have been evacuated. In Ocean Township, officials say residents on Wells Mills Road from Bryant Road to the Garden State Parkway are being asked to leave the area. The Lacey Township Police Department is also issuing an evacuation for residents in South Barnegat Pines south of Lakeside Drive South (including Pheasant Run), those near Beach Boulevard, the area from Route 9 to the Lacey Elks, all of the areas in between Route 9 and the Lacey Elks (Clune Park, Orlando Drive, Sandy Hook Dr, Clubhouse Drive, and all roads in between. Please pray for the safety of all those affected by this crazy wildfire. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments.