On July 17th, 2025 a contingent of firefighters of the Waretown Fire Department, along with numerous other agencies, received Certificates of Recognition from the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety for their actions during the Jones Road Wildfire.

The fire was initially spotted from the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22.

On the evening of April 22, the wildfire crossed the Garden State Parkway, triggering the evacuation of approximately 5,000 residents in Ocean and Lacey townships.

Additionally, Route 9 and Route 532 (Wells Mills Road) were closed early in the firefight.

One commercial building was destroyed in the fire, along with multiple outbuildings and vehicles throughout the fire area.

Pictured (L to R): Chief Shane Leaming, Lieutenant Hunter Hawk, President/FF Robert Ziegenfuss, Firefighter Jolee Costa, Ex-Chief Brent Cunningham