The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has granted approval for farmers to conduct controlled open burns or use specialized torches known as smudge pots to protect flowering crops from potential damage due to cooler spring temperatures. This measure, requested by New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) Assistant Secretary Joe Atchison, is effective from March 20 through March 26.
Temperatures are forecasted to drop into the 30s or below, accompanied by varying winds across parts of the state. These lower temperatures follow a period of warmer weather and pose a risk to the yields of certain fruits and vegetables currently in the flowering stage.
The DEP and NJDA have sanctioned these protective measures to safeguard farmers' livelihoods and ensure an ample supply of local produce later in the year. The DEP will utilize its authority under the Air Pollution Control Code, N.J.A.C. 7:27, et seq., among other regulations, to permit open burning or the use of smudge pots under specific conditions.
Farmers anticipating the need for these techniques must notify the DEP’s 24-hour Communications Center at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337). While notification does not mandate implementation, it ensures proper procedures are followed if necessary. If either technique is used without prior notification, farmers must inform DEP by 9 a.m. the following day and provide details on which method was employed.
Information required includes:
- Name of decision-maker and farm name
- Actual street address of farm
- Contact telephone number
- Predicted temperature at time of technique usage
- Anticipated wind speed during technique usage
- Expected hours for open burning/use of smudge pots
- Materials expected to be burned
Upon initial contact with the Communications Center, farmers will receive an email address and incident number. Within two days, they must submit additional information via email:
- Incident number from DEP Communications Center
- Ambient temperature during technique usage
- Actual wind speed at time of usage
- Verification statement that all restrictions were followed
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey Forest Fire Service advise caution regarding open burning in high wind conditions. Farmers are encouraged to use smudge pots when winds exceed five mph due to wildfire risks associated with open burning.
Smudge pots should only be fueled with kerosene or No. 2 fuel oil. Open burning materials are limited to clean untreated scrap lumber, felled trees, clippings pruned from trees and shrubs, hedgerows, or firewood; refuse or trade waste is strictly prohibited.
