—Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) joined firefighters from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service today at the site of the Jones Road Wildfire, which has so far ravaged over 15,000 acres in Southern Ocean County.

“The work of the firefighters has been amazing,” Smith said. "These men and women have fought and are continuing to fight until this wildfire is out. They have certainly saved many homes and businesses—and lives—by steering the fire away from populated areas. Still, the fire crossed the Parkway and Route 9 and even reached some bulkheads on Barnegat Bay before it was stopped. The firefighters have worked long and hard, but are absolutely determined.”

Smith said firefighters said they were counting on as much rain as possible Saturday to help douse the blaze, which is about 60 percent contained, but were wary of Sunday’s expected winds, predicted to be gusts of 40 mph, which threaten to rekindle some areas and keep crews very busy. One firefighter said that on Sunday it would be “all hands on deck.”

Smith surveyed areas of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station, electric high towers, and the Garden State Parkway and Route 9, where the fire skipped over both roads to threaten homes to the east before being stopped at the water’s edge of Barnegat Bay just past South Main Street in Lacey Township.  

PHOTO: From the left, NJFFS Assistant Division Forest Firewarden Trevor Raynor shows State Sen. Carmen Amato and Congressman Chris Smith the charred areas of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station property. NJFFS Assistant State Forest Firewarden Joe Battersby is at right.

He also stopped at the Liberty Door and Awning business, the only known main structure to be destroyed by the blaze. He consoled and offered assistance to the owner, Bob Nosti. Smith was joined by State Sen. Carmen Amato, Lacey Mayor Pete Curatolo and former Committeeman Mark Dycoff. Only a few blackened support beams remained standing through a pile twisted metal and charred debris. The congressman also met with reporters covering the blaze at the business on Old Shore Road.

Smith noted the Trump Administration quickly okayed a request by the State of New Jersey to be approved to apply for future funding through FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG). FEMA informed him of the approval Friday. Additionally, he was informed Friday by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that though the plant had been threatened by the blaze at one point, it was now secure.

“The Trump Administration acted quickly so the community can recover, for which I am grateful,” Smith said. “In the weeks and months ahead, State, County and local governments can now seek this grant to reimburse the costs of fighting this fire. It will take a full effort by all levels of government to beat this fire and make the communities whole.”

SITUATION REPORTS- On Saturday, the most recent reports by the NJFFS stated its crews continue to patrol and monitor key areas and respond to smoke investigations. Smoldering forest materials and burning snags (dead bare trees) are continuing to contribute to hot spots and smokey conditions, and crews are working to mitigate those areas. Low humidity and light southerly winds are expected to blow smoke toward areas north of the wildfire fire area.

Firefighters are working to strengthen their containment of the fire, as well as hold the perimeter while also reducing hotspots. A water drop helicopter will continue to douse priority hotspots near containment lines throughout the day. Crews are closely monitoring areas near the Garden State Parkway and Route 9. More than 20 firefighting vehicles are deployed, such as engine trucks, bulldozers and water tenders.

AIR QUALITY- Smith noted that there are public information resources available to track the fire and any remaining danger to air quality. Concerned residents can make use of these available resources to keep themselves and their families safe, including: the Ocean County’s Public Health Advisory with information about health risks associated with smoke; the EPA’s AirNow mobile app includes a map showing the status of the fire and smoke (the app can be downloaded here); and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service updates on its Facebook page and X account.

“I am hopeful air quality will improve and be restored as the fire continues to shrink and winds disperse smoke,” Smith said.

Additionally, the Ocean County OEM and Red Cross have stated that N-95 masks for any residents who would like one due to poor air quality are available at the Barnegat Township Town Hall lobby at 900 West Bay Avenue, Barnegat, N.J. Additionally, the shelter at Southern Regional High School has been relocated to Saint Mary’s Parish Center at 100 Bishop Avenue, Manahawkin, N.J.

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