Jones Wildfire Update: Firefighters Battle Blaze Near Abandoned Nuclear Site

A fast-moving wildfire in Ocean County has raised major safety concerns as it burns near the decommissioned Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Lacey Township.

The fire, named the Jones Road Forest Fire, has already scorched over 8,500 acres and forced the evacuation of about 3,000 residents. The blaze was just 10% contained as of Wednesday morning.

Nuclear Plant Under Watch

Though the nuclear plant was shut down in 2018, it still stores spent nuclear fuel on site. The fuel is kept in dry cask storage systems, which are heavily reinforced containers designed to endure natural disasters like fires, floods, and earthquakes.

Patrick O’Brien, a spokesperson for Holtec, the company that owns the facility, confirmed that the site is under 24/7 surveillance. “Oyster Creek Security Personnel are keeping careful round-the-clock watch on all of the site property,” O’Brien said.

Officials assure the public that there is no risk of a radiation leak. “Even if flames were to reach the area, there would be no danger,” said Shawn M. LaTourette, New Jersey’s Environmental Protection Commissioner. He added that dry cask systems are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, including those caused by wildfires.

Fire Reaches Plant Grounds

On Tuesday, embers from the wildfire landed on a grassy patch within the Oyster Creek property. However, this small fire was quickly and safely put out, O’Brien said. No plant buildings or fuel storage structures were affected.

Despite the safe condition of the plant, the proximity of the wildfire has stirred anxiety among locals and prompted mass evacuations.

Highway Closures and Power Outages

The wildfire has already forced the closure of Route 9 and parts of the Garden State Parkway, two major roadways in the region. Lacey Township and Barnegat Township police departments have urged residents to stay off the roads, avoid the fire zones, and prepare for extended power outages.

According to PowerOutage.us, more than 25,000 residents across New Jersey were without electricity as of Wednesday. Power companies have preemptively shut off power in some areas to prevent further damage and reduce fire risks.

Local Officials Speak Out

Lacey Township Police posted on Facebook: “Evacuation orders will remain in effect throughout the night. Route 9 will remain closed for the foreseeable future. Power is expected to remain out with no timetable for return.”

Barnegat Police echoed similar warnings: “The fire has generally moved out of our area, but the town remains without power. Please be patient and use extra caution.”