OCEAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (PIX11) – The wildfire destroying parts of southern New Jersey has grown to over 15,000 acres, according to the state's Forest Fire Service.
The Jones Road Wildfire has scorched 15,410 acres of forest and is 60% contained as of Sunday. Joseph Kling, 19, was charged with aggravated arson in connection with the fire after officials alleged he left burning wooden pallets unattended.
The Forest Fire Service said Saturday's rain didn't do much to help extinguish the fires. The northern portion of the fire received some rain, but only a trace amount fell onto southern portions, officials wrote on X.
The wildfire forced evacuations and power outages for Ocean and Lacey Township residents. More than 5,000 people left their homes on Tuesday, but were allowed to return by Wednesday.
Electricity was also turned off for 25,000 customers during the early stages of the fire, officials said. Four structures are threatened by the wildfire, according to the Forest Fire Service.
Officials are expected to give an update on the firefighting progress at noon on Monday. The next chance for rain in the state is Thursday night into Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.
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