[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2025[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]

Contact: Vincent Grassi (609) 984-1795
Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795

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STATEMENT FROM NEW JERSEY COMMISSIONER OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SHAWN M. LATOURETTE ON THE JONES ROAD WILDFIRE ARREST

(25/P21) TRENTON – “I’d like to express my immense gratitude to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Bilhimer, the county and local officials with whom the DEP partnered throughout the investigation, and the officers responsible for the arrest of the individual charged in connection with the Jones Road Wildfire,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “Thanks to collaboration between every level of government, New Jersey averted a major disaster and even more catastrophic loss of natural resources and property. But this is no time to be complacent – the Jones Road Wildfire only reinforces the critical importance of fire safety, especially as drought conditions persist and our forest fire season continues. Knowing that the vast majority of fires in our state are human-caused, I urge all New Jerseyans once again to avoid dangerous decisions that imperil our environment, property, and families.”

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Joint Statement with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office: WARETOWN MAN CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ARSON AND ARSON IN CONNECTION WITH JONES ROAD WILDFIRE

NJ Wildfire SMART: In recognition of New Jersey’s growing wildfire threats, the Murphy Administration has launched NJ Wildfire SMART (Safety, Mitigation, Awareness, Resources, Training), a series of actions that emphasize steps and information resources for reducing wildfire risk and spread.

 

Wildfire Prevention Tips

Most wildfires can be avoided by adhering to commonsense safety tips:

  • Don’t discard cigarettes, matches or smoking materials on the ground.
  • Use indoor wood stoves and fireplaces carefully – both can emit embers that spark fires. Fully douse ashes with water before disposal.
  • When towing a trailer, ensure chains are not dragged on the road, which can create sparks that fly into nearby vegetation, igniting a wildfire.
  • Be mindful of where you park or drive your vehicle. Hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation if parked or driven over.
  • Be careful when cutting grass or using yard tools. Power tools like lawnmowers and chainsaws can throw off sparks that ignite dry grass or leaves.
  • Keep matches and lighters away from children and teach youth about fire safety. Children can learn about wildfire safety with Smokey Bear’s mobile game Smokey’s Scouts.
  • Contact your nearest Forest Fire Service office about how to obtain a Campfire Permit.

To learn more about wildfires in New Jersey, steps to protect property, and other resources, visit www.njwildfire.org

Like the Forest Fire Service’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NJForestFireService/

Follow the Forest Fire Service on X @njdepforestfire and Instagram @newjerseyforestfire

 

 

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