New Jersey is burning down! The wildfire known as the “Jones Road Wildfire” spread throughout South Jersey, causing damage and destruction to the state. 

On April 22nd, a 19-year-old, Joseph King, was having a bonfire and was left unattended, creating an untamed forest fire. King has been charged with arson. 

The fire originated in Barnegat Township, in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management area. Since then, it has spread throughout Ocean and Lacey Townships. Due to the massive spread of the fires, officials had to close parts of the Garden State Parkway, U.S. Route 9, and Route 532.

So far, the fire has burned approximately 15,300 acres of the state. 5,000 residents were forced to evacuate the area. The fires have also threatened the nuclear waste stored at the inactive Oyster Creek nuclear power plant.

As of May 2nd, the wildfires are 80% contained. Thank you to the first responders working on containing and extinguishing the flames. They are continuing to protect people and properties to provide support where it’s needed.