Breaking: first major wildfire of the season shut down part of route 195 as crews rushed to contain the blaze.

Route 195 wildfire ignites at Jackson-Howell border, forcing road closures

Jackson, NJ – A wildfire broke out along the Jackson-Howell border Tuesday, prompting a response from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and forcing the closure of a stretch of Route 195.

The fire was reported in the area of mile marker 25 in Jackson Township, Ocean County, marking what officials are calling the first significant forest fire of the 2026 season.

Authorities moved quickly to shut down westbound lanes of Route 195 from mile marker 25 to mile marker 20 as crews worked to contain the fire and protect nearby areas.

Key Points

Wildfire reported near mile marker 25 on Route 195 in Jackson Township
Westbound lanes closed from mile marker 25 to 20 due to fire activity
Incident marks first major forest fire of the 2026 season in New Jersey

Forest Fire Service responds to active blaze

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service confirmed it is actively working the fire, urging drivers to avoid the area and follow directions from emergency personnel.

“WILDFIRE ALERT: Route 195 – Jackson Township, Ocean County,” the agency said in a public alert. “The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is responding to a wildfire in the area of mile marker 25 on Route 195.”

Officials added: “Route 195 – Westbound lanes are closed from Mile Marker 25 to Mile Marker 20. Avoid the area. Please follow directions from emergency personnel.”

Road closures impact traffic corridor

Route 195 serves as a major east-west corridor through Central Jersey, and the closure is expected to impact traffic in both Ocean and Monmouth counties as crews remain on scene.

No immediate information was released regarding the size of the fire, containment status, or whether any structures are threatened.

Updates are expected to be provided through official channels as firefighting efforts continue.

Photo: Stock Photo – NJ Forest Fire Service.

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