Congressman Chris Smith joined firefighters from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) 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, “ Smith continued, “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.”
The Congressman 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 edge of Barnegat Bay past South Main Street in Lacey Township.
He also stopped at the Liberty Door and Awning business, the only known main structure to be destroyed by the blaze. Smith offered assistance to owner, Bob Nosti.
Smith was joined by State Senator Carmen Amato, Lacey Mayor Peter Curatolo and former Committeeman Mark Dycoff. Only a few blackened support beams remained standing through a pile twisted metal and charred debris at the awning business
Smith noted the Trump Administration quickly okayed a request by the State to be approved to apply for future funding through FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG).said Friday. Additionally, Smith 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.”
Smith noted 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 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 said N-95 masks for any residents who would like one them due to poor air quality are available at the Barnegat Township Town Hall lobby at 900 West Bay Avenue, Barnegat, Additionally, the shelter at Southern Regional High School has been relocated to Saint Mary’s Parish Center at 100 Bishop Avenue, Manahawkin
