Wildfire season in US could ‘rapidly escalate’ amid building heat, drought

A fast‑moving wildfire has scorched more than 8,500 acres in Ocean County, New Jersey, forcing over 3,000 residents to evacuate and cutting power to thousands. As of Wednesday, the Jones Road blaze was just 10% contained, with 1,320 structures still under threat.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has evacuated communities across central and southern parts of the state, while Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) reported that over 25,400 customers remain without electricity—turned off proactively to protect firefighters on the front lines.

Officials say the fire danger rating in the region is “high,” and crews are working around the clock. The cause of the Jones Road wildfire is currently under investigation.