Latest news with #TaheshaWay
CBS News
28-04-2025
- CBS News
Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, N.J. still burning despite weekend rainfall
The Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey is still burning, despite hopes the weekend rain might help bring it fully under control. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is expected to share its next update at noon Monday about the conditions and containment efforts. At last update Sunday afternoon, the state forest fire service said the fire was 65% contained after scorching 15,300 acres. "Precipitation received yesterday afternoon over the northern portion of the fire varied in amounts," New Jersey Forest Fire Service posted on social media, adding zero inches to a trace of rainfall fell over the southern portion of the fire. Jones Road Wildfire arson suspect in court this week The wildfire broke out last Tuesday morning, forcing approximately 5,000 residents to leave their homes while power was cut in Lacey and Ocean townships for the night. The evacuations have since been lifted and roads have reopened. State and county officials announced 19-year-old Joseph Kling was arrested on arson charges for allegedly starting a bonfire and then leaving before it was put out. He is due back in court on Tuesday. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. So far, no injuries have been reported, but one business was destroyed in an industrial area of Lacey. Meanwhile, residents have been dealing with smoky conditions, keeping their windows closed and trying to stay safe. New Jersey's Acting Gov. Tahesha Way said Friday that FEMA approved federal funding for the wildfire response and recovery efforts.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Arson blamed for massive New Jersey wildfire, smoke causes air quality alerts for millions
A 19-year-old Ocean County man has been charged with aggravated arson in connection with the massive Jones Road Wildfire, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service revealed Thursday morning. Officials say Joseph Kling, of Ocean Township (Waretown), ignited a bonfire using wooden pallets on Tuesday morning-then left the area without fully extinguishing the flames. Investigators used GPS mapping to trace the wildfire's origin. The fire, one of the biggest the state has seen in decades, quickly spread through dry brush in the Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, ultimately destroying a commercial building and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. Evacuation orders have since been lifted as the fire moved away from densely populated areas. Additionally, after briefly closing on Monday evening, the Garden State Parkway was of Thursday, the Jones Road Wildfire had scorched 13,250 acres and remained just 50% contained. Thick smoke continues to blanket Jersey Shore communities, prompting officials to urge residents to stay indoors as much as possible. Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency in New Jersey in response to the fire. A news release from the governor's office said the state of emergency went into effect at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Declaring a state of emergency helps the state allocate resources to battle the blaze. Also on Wednesday, power was restored to all 25,000 customers in southern Ocean County who had lost service as a result of the wildfire. New Jersey wildfire smoke clouds New York City skies, triggers air quality alerts Thick smoke drifting north from a fast-growing wildfire in New Jersey reached New York City early Thursday, turning skies hazy and prompting air quality alerts for millions across the region. New York state's departments of Environmental Conservation and Health have issued Air Quality Health Advisories for New York City, Westchester County, Rockland County and Long Island. The sun rises over a smoky New York City on April 24, 2025. (Earthcam) The smoke cast an orange tint over the Staten Island sunrise-a visual reminder of the fire's reach well beyond state lines. Officials continue to monitor conditions as crews work to contain the blaze and winds steer the smoke across parts of the tri-state area. On Wednesday, northerly winds were pushing wildfire smoke south into Atlantic City and surrounding Jersey Shore areas, but AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heathe Zehr said winds switched directions early Thursday. "The wind will be more out of the south and southeast today which can carry some of that in New York City's direction." That wind has brought haze to the tri-state area but not a big reduction in visibility. Zehr said the bigger concern is lowered air quality which can cause problems for sensitive groups. "These people should limit outdoor strenuous activity today. Air Quality Alerts are in effect until midnight tonight. The good news is that the fire containment should grow today, and with light winds, it will be tough to bring in much smoke." You can check the air quality in your area anytime-for free-on the Accuweather app. AccuWeather air pollution forecast models have been enhanced to provide you with superior accuracy -- before, during and after wildfires -- to help keep your family, friends and your business better prepared and informed: NYC Air Quality Alert NYC AccuWeather Air Quality Forecast Page Click here to see the smoke forecast map for NYC.
NDTV
24-04-2025
- Climate
- NDTV
New Jersey Wildfire Burns 11,500 Acres, Could Be State's Largest In 20 Years
New Jersey, US: A sprawling wildfire burning in New Jersey's Pinelands near Atlantic Ocean beach towns could become the largest in the state in 20 years, having already consumed some 11,500 acres, officials said on Wednesday. The Jones Road Wildfire had spread to 11,500 acres in less than 24 hours as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday and was 30 per cent contained, the New Jersey Fire Service said in a post on X. It was no longer threatening populated areas. WILDFIRE UPDATE: Jones Road Wildfire - Ocean & Lacey Townships, Ocean County New Jersey Forest Fire Service continues to make progress containing a wildfire burning in Ocean & Lacey Townships, Ocean County. SIZE & CONTAINMENT 🔥 13,250 acres 🔥 50% contained — New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) April 23, 2025 The blaze could become the largest in New Jersey in 20 years, said Shawn LaTourette, the state's commissioner of environmental protection, at a press conference. A fire in 2005 in the same area consumed 17,000 acres. Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday; Governor Phil Murphy is on an overseas trip. "At this time, we have no loss of life and no homes have been harmed," Way said on X on Wednesday morning. So far in 2025, New Jersey has experienced nearly twice as many wildfires as usual, with 662 wildfires burning 16,572 acres. That compares with about 310 wildfires burning 315 acres last year, state Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly said at the briefing. On average, 1,500 wildfires damage or destroy 7,000 acres of the state's forests each year, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said on its website. The blaze started on Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Lacey, Ocean and Barnegat townships in Ocean County, about halfway between Asbury Park and Atlantic City. The area, with a combined population of about 64,000 residents, is about 15 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. About 1,300 homes were forced to evacuate on Tuesday, but the evacuation orders were lifted by Wednesday morning. In addition, a stretch of the Garden State Parkway, a major north-south highway, was closed on Tuesday but reopened Wednesday morning. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and there is no timeline for full containment. The fire is expected to continue to burn for several days until rain comes on Friday or Saturday, New Jersey fire officials said at the briefing. About 25,000 residents remain without power, according to the Jersey Central Power & Light, which is owned by FirstEnergy. Embers from the fire sparked several small blazes near a de-commissioned nuclear power plant known as Oyster Creek, according to state officials. The plant, owned by Holtec International, shut down in 2018.
Int'l Business Times
24-04-2025
- Climate
- Int'l Business Times
NJ Wildfire Burns 13,500 Acres—State of Emergency Declared, Gov. Murphy Criticized For Absence
In photo: A house engulfed in flames amid U.S. wildfires in January. AFP NJ's environmental protection chief said the wildfire 'came perilously close to communities' Multiple outbuildings and vehicles have been destroyed in the raging fire Some 12 structures are still threatened by the wildfire, and some roads are still closed The wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey that started Tuesday has now burned 13,500 acres, and is on track to becoming the Garden State's largest wildfire in nearly two decades. The Jones Road Wildfire is expanded dramatically Wednesday night and while it is now 50% contained, as per the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, it remains a threat to some populated areas. Ocean County Placed Under State of Emergency Officials said Wednesday that the blaze has the potential to become New Jersey's largest wildfire in nearly 20 years. Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, who is overseeing state affairs while Gov. Phil Murphy is out of the country, on Wednesday declared a state of emergency in Ocean County amid the raging wildfire. She urged residents in affected areas to "listen to guidance from emergency management officials." I am declaring a State of Emergency in Ocean County due to the Jones Road Wildfire in the Greenwood Forest Wildfire Management Area near Lacey, Ocean, and Barnegat Townships. At this time, we have no loss of life and no homes have been harmed. — Lt Governor Tahesha Way (@LtGovWay) April 23, 2025 Shawn LaTourette, the state's Commissioner of Environmental Protection, on Wednesday posted an image that showed how the massive wildfire "came perilously close to communities" in Lacey Township. The Jones Road Wildfire came perilously close to communities like this one in Lacey Township, where the heart and heft of @NewJerseyDEP Forest Fire Service members and local partners saved hundreds of homes from destruction. — Shawn LaTourette (@shawnlatur) April 23, 2025 He extended gratitude to firefighters and others who "saved hundreds of homes from destruction" while battling to contain the blaze overnight. He also said it will likely take a couple of days before the Jones Road Wildfire is completely contained and extinguished. The Jones Road Wildfire will likely take days to fully contain and extinguish. We are not completely out of the woods. But thanks to the swift, tireless action of @njdepforestfire fighters & many partners, we are now fighting this fire in the woods and not in backyards. — Shawn LaTourette (@shawnlatur) April 23, 2025 A Dozen Structures Still Under Threat, Road Closures Updated According to the local forest fire service, 12 structures are still threatened by the wildfire and some 5,000 residents across the townships of Lacey and Ocean are now free from evacuation orders. On the other hand, one commercial building has been ravaged in the fire, and multiple outbuildings and vehicles have been destroyed. A full damage assessment report is still being prepared. WILDFIRE UPDATE: Jones Road Wildfire - Ocean & Lacey Townships, Ocean CountyNew Jersey Forest Fire Service continues to make progress containing a wildfire burning in Ocean & Lacey Townships, Ocean & CONTAINMENT🔥 13,250 acres 🔥 50% contained — New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) April 23, 2025 The following roads are closed as of late Wednesday: Rt. 532 (Wells Mills Road) between Rt. 72 and the Garden State Parkway Bryant Road between Wells Mills Road (Rt. 532) and Rt. 539 Jones Road between Rt. 532 and Bryant Road Murphy Under Fire for Absence in Critical Times As fire forest service members and volunteers continue to contain the widespread fire, some X users are questioning why Murphy isn't in the state during a crucial period. "Where is Gov. Murphy? In his mansion in Italy again," some users asked. Murphy is at his villa in Italy again huh? — brrrr chapo ♻️ (@cBeastwin) April 23, 2025 So where is the actual governor? — freedbird11 (@freedbird114927) April 24, 2025 Others targeted Way, saying it took her too long to declare the state of emergency. "You should be ashamed to have taken too long to do this. You knew there was an 8,500-acre fire yesterday with thousands out of power," said one user. You are horrible, way to late and no guidance — Rancidbones Jr. (@RancidbonesJr) April 24, 2025 Power provider JCP&L implemented a "forced" outage Tuesday evening, saying it was made upon the request of firefighting crews amid struggles to contain the fast-spreading wildfire. Some 25,000 residents were without power due to the said action. Some X users expressed frustration over the alleged slow action from the Murphy administration, with some pointing out how there was no action when New Jersey residents were scrambling out of their homes and trying to save their livestock. Murphy has yet to address questions about his whereabouts, but he has been reposting updates from the fire department. © Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.
AsiaOne
24-04-2025
- Climate
- AsiaOne
New Jersey wildfire could become state's largest in nearly 20 years, World News
A fast-growing wildfire was burning in New Jersey's Pinelands near its Atlantic Ocean beach towns on Wednesday (April 23) and threatened to become the largest in the state in nearly 20 years, officials said on Wednesday. The Jones Road Wildfire had spread to 13,250 acres (54 sq km) on Wednesday night and was 50 per cent contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a statement. It was no longer threatening populated areas but a "soaking rainfall" is needed to stop the fire, officials said. The cause of the fire was under investigation. The blaze could become the largest in New Jersey in about 20 years, said Shawn LaTourette, the state's commissioner of environmental protection, at a press conference. A fire in May 2007 in the same area consumed 17,000 acres. Embers from the fire sparked several small blazes near a decommissioned Oyster Creek nuclear power plant in Waretown, according to state officials. The plant, owned by Holtec International, shut down in 2018. Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency beginning at 7 am (3pm Singapore time) on Wednesday. She was filling in for Governor Phil Murphy, who was on an overseas trip. "At this time, we have no loss of life and no homes have been harmed," Way said on X on Wednesday morning. So far in 2025, New Jersey has experienced nearly twice as many wildfires as in the same period last year, with 662 wildfires burning over 16,500 acres. That compares with about 310 wildfires burning 315 acres in the first four months of 2024, Bill Donnelly, the chief of the forest fire service, said at the briefing. On average, 1,500 wildfires damage or destroy 7,000 acres of the state's forests each year, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said on its website. [[nid:709113]] The blaze started on Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Lacey, Ocean and Barnegat townships in Ocean County, about halfway between Asbury Park and Atlantic City. The area is about 15 miles (24 km) inland from the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. About 1,300 homes were endangered, and between 3,000 and 5,000 people were under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders, which were lifted on Wednesday morning. In addition, a 17-mile stretch of the Garden State Parkway, a major north-south highway, was closed on Tuesday but reopened on Wednesday morning Hundreds of firefighters have been working on the blaze for almost 24 hours straight, Donnelly said. To fully stop the fire, crews need a "soaking rainfall" which might come this weekend, said John Cecil with the state's environmental protection department.
