BARNEGAT, N.J. — A wildfire near the New Jersey shore led to evacuations and the closure of a 17-mile stretch of the state’s busiest highway as dark smoke blanketed the Jersey Shore region.

The Jones Road Wildfire ignited on Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Barnegat Township in Ocean County. By Tuesday afternoon, it had scorched 1,200 acres and was not yet under control.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has issued mandatory evacuations on Wells Mills Road from Bryant Road to the Garden State Parkway and on Route 9 in Lacey Township.

Voluntary evacuations are also in effect for various areas of Barnegat Township.

The Garden State Parkway is shut down in both directions from Exit 63-80, with photos showing smoke enveloping the highway and flames approaching the roadway.

At least 16 structures along Bryant Road and Wells Mills Road are at risk from the fire, prompting their evacuation.

Jersey Central Power & Light has cut power along the Garden State Parkway due to the wildfire, leaving over 23,000 residents without power in Ocean County.

The dark smoke and ash are spreading across the Garden State Parkway and neighboring Ocean County communities, including Toms River and Seaside Heights.

The Forest Fire Service is deploying fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews, and air support to combat the blaze.

The cause of the Jones Road Wildfire is currently under investigation.  

Drought conditions in Ocean County range from abnormally dry to moderate, as reported by the U.S. Drought Monitor, with conditions worsening in recent weeks.

Nearly 80% of New Jersey is experiencing some level of drought.