OCEAN COUNTY – As flames from the Jones Road wildfire threatened homes, farms, and neighborhoods, it wasn’t just firefighters and police officers who stepped up. All across the area, a wave of kindness, generosity, and humanity surged forward – from shopkeepers and church members to neighbors and complete strangers. Their actions didn’t make headlines, but they made a difference.
In nearly every direction, church signs and business marquees glowed with heartfelt messages: “Thank you, first responders!” But gratitude didn’t stop at words.
Local barbers and hair salons offered free haircuts to firefighters. Auto shops extended promises of complimentary oil changes and generator tune-ups. Restaurants sent meals to the front lines, chiropractic offices planned to open their doors for free adjustments, and car washes offered to clean up dusty emergency vehicles, no charge.
Cases of water and mountains of donated food were delivered to the emergency command center. There was no shortage of people asking, “What do you need?”
Firefighters battle the Jones Road Wildfire. (Photo courtesy New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection)
Unsung Heroes
While the professionals worked tirelessly, ordinary citizens quietly became heroes of their own.
Eighty-two-year-old Henry Holland of Pine Beach was driving home from Atlantic City when traffic from the fire shut down the Garden State Parkway. Detoured through unfamiliar back roads, Henry found himself stuck for hours with no way forward – or back.
“I just tried to stay calm,” said Henry, who’s diabetic and was worried about his health. “I remembered hymns and scripture. I believe God was with me.”
When he finally pulled over near the water in Waretown, a local couple – strangers to Henry – invited him into their home. They shared a simple supper of macaroni and sauce, offered him a couch and a blanket, and made sure he was safe through the night.
“They were just naturally nice people,” Henry said. “I’ll never forget their kindness.”
Henry’s daughter had posted on social media, hoping someone in the area might check on her dad. But by the time neighbors started searching, he had already been taken in – proof that help was already on the way, even without seeing the call for it.
Photo courtesy New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Faith In Action
Pastor Dawn Corlew of Waretown United Methodist Church didn’t wait to be asked. Her church had already received approval to act as a shelter in emergencies, and when the call came from Police Chief Michal Rogalski, she and her congregation sprang into action.
Tables were quickly set up, and families – including three dogs – were welcomed in. “We were just a stopgap until the Red Cross arrived,” Corlew said, “but the outpouring of love was incredible.”
Community members brought pizzas, fruit, snacks, and water – whatever they had on hand. One person even delivered bags of Goldfish crackers, thinking of the children. “Everyone just popped in and asked, ‘What can I give?’” said Corlew. “It was amazing.”
Animals Out Of Sight, But Not Out Of Mind
At the Out of Sight Alpaca Farm off Wells Mills Road, owner Kim Weigman feared for the animals – alpacas, goats, pigs, chickens, and more – because fire had come dangerously close before. Flames had reached the other side of their fence.
But the community didn’t wait to be asked.
“People showed up with trailers, ready to help evacuate animals,” said longtime employee Patty Agosto. “Other farms offered shelter. Everyone just came together.”
On the Sunday following the fire, the Out of Sight Alpaca Farm saw a number of families enjoying tours. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Firefighters dug protective trenches and helicopters flew overhead, dropping water. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office even left a livestock trailer on the property just in case. Thankfully, a shift in wind spared the farm.
“We were in the middle of a horseshoe around the fire,” said Agosto. “And somehow, the wind changed. We were incredibly lucky.”
Weigman said she was overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to do something to help. “I got at least 800 texts and 400 emails,” she said. “The phone was ringing so much I just couldn’t answer it. And then, we had random people pull in with horse trailers.”
All of the animals were relocated on one side of the farm in case they needed to be taken away for safety. A shift in the wind could have been deadly. On the Sunday following the fire, families were already back enjoying tours of the farm.
Town Pulls Together
Lacey Township Mayor Peter Curatolo praised first responders, but also gave credit to everyday residents who helped evacuate vulnerable populations.
Seniors from the Pheasant Run community, considered high-risk due to the fire’s path, were safely moved first to the Charles A. Smith Community Center, and then, after power outages, to Manchester High School. Volunteers and local officials worked together to ensure they had everything they needed.
Through it all, not a single person was lost. No serious injuries were reported. And what could have been tragedy turned into a story of generosity, grit, and neighbors becoming family.
Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), State Senator Carmen Amato Jr. (R-9), Assistant State Fire Warden Shawn Judy and Mayor Peter Curatolo. Judy discussed the need for updated equipment to fight fires. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
When the fire threatened, the people of Southern Ocean County and beyond responded – with action, compassion, and an overwhelming willingness to help.
Because sometimes the other set of heroes are simply the people who open their doors, cook a meal, or share a charger – and remind us what community truly means.
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