(Breaking News) Massive Wildfire Burns 15,000 Acres in Lacey Township, Forces 5,000 to EvacuateBy: Michael Bautista
LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A fast-moving wildfire inLacey Township has burned through an estimated 15,000 acres since it ignited last Tuesday, prompting mass evacuations, road closures, and one of the largest wildfire containment efforts in recent New Jersey history. Fueled by drought conditions and high winds, the blaze is now about 75 percent contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Local authorities say the fire originated in the Pine Barrens and was allegedly started by a 19-year-old who set a bonfire in violation of statewide burn restrictions. He is now facing charges for risking widespread injury or damage and violating fire safety laws. The suspect was then released with a court summons.
“This is definitely one of the largest fires we’ve seen in recent history,” said Trevor Raynor, assistant division forest fire warden. “We’ve been three to four times busier this year compared to the same time last year, and the total average burned has increased just as much.”
The fire has led to the evacuation of roughly 5,000 residents and the temporary closure of major highways, including parts of the Garden State Parkway. On Sunday, April 27, a team of roughly 65 firefighters remained on the scene, with hundreds of first responders such as police, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and emergency management teams having circled through during the fire’s peak. Raynor emphasized that New Jersey’s interagency coordination has been key in managing evacuations and ensuring resident safety.
“Evacuations fall under the Office of Emergency Management,” Raynor said. “We order them, and they implement and coordinate the logistics. Our partnerships with local agencies are critical— we train with them year-round.”
Climate Conditions and Suspected Cause
New Jersey has been under a drought warning since November 2024, increasing the risk of fast -spreading wildfires. Fire activity has surged across the state, prompting officials to enact seasonal burn bans and deploy additional aviation and patrol resources.
“Our fire towers are manned on dry days, and we use both permanent and contracted aviation to support suppression efforts,” Raynor said.
Infrastructure Protection and Public Alerts
The wildfire’s proximity to the decommissioned Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station raised concerns about critical infrastructure. Raynor noted that local fire departments focus on protecting structures and sensitive facilities. While the Forest Fire Service tackles the wildlife itself. He also stressed the importance of defensible space.
“We deal with the wildfire itself, while local departments are brought in to protect infrastructure. We also advocate for defensible space—ideally 100 feet—around homes,” Raynor said.
Some Ocean County residents have even criticized the lack of timely alerts and information. In response, Raynor said the service uses multiple channels, including Nixle alerts, reverse 911 systems, and coordinated social media updates as key channels used to reach the public.
Ocean County Residents React
For Tyler Delpercio, a Rowan University sports CaM and journalism major, the wildfire wasn’t just a headline—it was personal. Delpercio’s family home is located off Exit 67 in Waretown, just a few miles south of the burn zone. Though he was away at school in Glassboro when the fire broke out, he stayed in constant contact with friends and family.
“My buddy was sending me photos. One of them works in EMS and was up close with the fire,” Delpercio said,” Seeing those photos… I was like, " Wow, I know exactly where that is.”
His neighborhood lost power for nearly a full day, though no direct damage had occurred. “One of my neighbors had to evacuate, though. He’s about 70 and couldn’t breathe because of the smoke. There was ash falling on the ground,” he said.
Delpercio commended emergency officials for decisively shutting down both sides of the Garden State Parkway. “You don’t really see that happen. So I think they handled that part effectively.”
He also reflected on how the experience changed his perspective on climate change. “California was on fire for like a month. Now New Jersey’s burning? I feel like we’re talking like it’s too late,” Delperico said. “Honestly, I think we’re done for.”
Delperico wasn’t the only one who was affected by the recent Ocean County Wildfire that spread into Lacey Township. Matthew White, 23, a sports CaM major at Rowan University and resident of Ocean County, also shared a similar experience.
“I was at work and saw the smoke when it was still a controlled burn,” White said. “By 6 p.m., my mom had texted me that we had lost power. When I left work at 9, it had spread.”
White recounts being able to smell the smoke and having it linger within his lungs. “I breathed it in and coughed. I know people who evacuated, too, friends in Forked River and Lacey Township.”
Though he initially told friends he wasn’t worried, the stress had built up. “I wasn’t able to sleep. I kept thinking about my family, my barber’s shop in the area near the fire, and everything,” White said. “The fire came so fast, the wind changed its direction, and it threw everyone off. It’s just hard to react that quickly.”
He added by stating that the last fire he vividly remembers occurring in his town was back in 2012. “I think it’s people who make dumb mistakes that ultimately cause stuff like this,” White said.
New Jersey Wildfire Season Timeline Map (October 2024 - May 2025) (Graphic Design by: Michael Bautista)
More Fires Across South Jersey
The recent Lacey Township wildfire wasn’t the only recent blaze alarming residents.
Earlier last month, on Thursday, April 17, a brush fire near the train tracks behind Glassboro High School briefly threatened the surrounding area of Glassboro, N.J. Rowan University students reported seeing smoke clouds billowing from campus. The fire was quickly extinguished by the Glassboro Fire Department and didn’t cause any injuries or property damage, but it did reignite public anxiety over growing fire risks.
Back in November 2024, the Jennings Creek Wildfire in Wharton State Forest scorched 1,607 acres across the Atlantic and Burlington County areas. That fire took more than a day to fully contain, with aircraft and more than 70 firefighters deployed. No injuries or structural damage were reported. However, the incident again underscored how New Jersey’s wildfire season is expanding in both intensity and duration.
Strategy, Resilience, and Prevention
To meet the growing threat, the Forest Fire Service is adapting through provocative measures such as prescribed burns, fire breaks, and public education. The agency aims to treat 25,000 acres annually, but was forced to scale back due to drought.
“We shifted to response and public awareness campaigns instead,” Raynor said. “We’re also using grants to install fire breaks and conduct fuel mitigation around communities.”
The service also partners with federal and military agencies like Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the Warren Grove Bombing Range to enhance regional resilience.
Raynor also stressed the role of community members in prevention. “There are great resources on our website under the SMART initiative mitigation, awareness, response, and training,” he said.
Looking Ahead
With three significant wildfires in under six months, Lacey Township, Glassboro, and Jennings Creek–it’s clear that wildfire season isn't just a Western issue anymore. It’s here, and it’s accelerating. As New Jersey faces hotter, much drier conditions, state officials are urging residents to do their part, report suspicious activity, follow local burn restrictions, create defensible space around their homes, and stay alert during high-risk days. A single spark can set off a chain reaction, but awareness and caution can stop the next fire before it starts.
