As 15K Acre NJ Wildfire Rages, Fire Chief Asks People To Stop Flying Drones

WARETOWN, NJ — As firefighters continue to work around the clock to quell the 15,200 acre Jones Road Fire, authorities have a message: stop flying your drones over the blaze.

Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly said Thursday at a press conference that he was seeing a lot of drone activity in the area. And when civilians are flying drones, it makes it a lot harder for authorities to work on containing the forest fire, Donnelly said.

"We need folks to please stop flying drones in the area," Donnelly said. "When these drones are flying, we're unable to fly. And therefore, if we're unable to fly, the helicopters are not able to put the hot spots out."

It also messes with the observation and keeping an eye on the fire's progress, Donnelly said.

The Jones Road Fire is about 50 percent contained as of Thursday evening and authorities are continuing to monitor and work on containment.

Smoke will linger in the area until forecasted rain on Saturday, officials said. You'll also likely still see smoldering areas, particularly between the Forked River and Waretown exits on the Garden State Parkway. Firefighters are continuing to mop up these areas along roadways.

Additional reporting:

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