LACEY – U.S. Senator Andy Kim stood in front of the smoldering remains of the Liberty Door & Awning building Thursday afternoon, his eyes fixed on the blackened debris and the charred trees that once lined the edge of the Lacey Industrial Park.
The commercial warehouse was reduced to rubble by the fast-moving Jones Road Wildfire, which has already scorched more than 15,300 acres of forest. Patches of smoke still rose from the ground nearby, even as firefighters gained ground in their containment efforts.
Standing in the shadow of the destruction, Senator Kim expressed relief that no one was injured, and no homes were lost — but he didn’t hide his heartbreak over what the community had already endured.
His visit to the site was brief. After assessing the damage at the industrial park, Kim headed to the wildfire command center to meet with emergency responders. However, he had to leave shortly after as officials were preparing for a press conference.
“This is still a very active situation,” Senator Kim said. “I think they’ve made good progress on containment. But you can feel the anxiety in the air. People were evacuated. They’re home now, but they’re worried. The wind’s still picking up — we’re not out of this yet.”
The fire, which officials say is about 60 percent contained as of 3 p.m. Friday, April 25, is still burning through the Pine Barrens, though firefighters are hopeful that rain in the forecast will help.
Kim praised the first responders and the larger community response.
But Kim didn’t just come to observe. He came to offer help.
The New Jersey senator, who serves as the top Democrat on the Senate subcommittee that oversees FEMA, announced today that he had secured federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) funding to support the state’s wildfire response. The funds will help cover emergency costs such as equipment, food, and aid for firefighters and first responders still battling the flames. The amount of the funds allotted to the disaster won’t be determined until after the fire is totally contained.
“As I walked around the areas scorched by the fire, I wanted to ensure our brave firefighters and first responders had everything possible to help contain this disaster,” said Kim. “As Ranking Member of the Senate subcommittee that oversees FEMA, I’m grateful to be able to help bring federal support to help our state during a time of critical need.”
Kim added that he doesn’t want to see disaster relief treated as a political tool and criticized ongoing threats by the Trump administration to cut FEMA funding and prioritize aid for politically aligned states.
When asked about the arrest of 19-year-old Joseph Kling of Waretown, who faces charges in connection with the fire, Kim said the investigation is still unfolding.
“Accountability matters,” he said. “This community deserves answers, and they deserve justice.”
The wildfire sparked a large-scale emergency response, prompting evacuations and constant coordination among state and local agencies. New Jersey Environmental Commissioner Shawn LaTourette credited their efforts with preventing what could have been a far worse outcome.
“I wish to thank Senator Kim on behalf of the DEP’s Forest Fire Service and the many state and local agencies that responded to the Jones Road wildfire,” said New Jersey Environmental Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “…This wildfire, the most significant to impact the state in many years, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance or partnerships across all levels of government – from federal agencies to state agencies and down to the local first responders who work tirelessly to protect their communities.”
Kim is no stranger to disaster response. Drawing on lessons from Superstorm Sandy, he’s pushed for reforms to make federal help arrive faster and more efficiently during crises. In March, he co-sponsored the bipartisan Wildfire Response and Preparedness (WRAP) Act with Senator Tim Sheehy (R), which would set national standards for wildfire response times.
