With New Jersey now in peak wildfire season, the Forest Fire Service is reminding the public of important safety tips to help reduce the possibility of wildfires across the state.
Peak wildfire season in New Jersey typically runs from mid-March through May, when weather warms, humidity decreases and winds pick up. The Forest Fire Service issues annual reminders to the public to be cautious with outdoor fires during this time and provides guidance on reducing wildfire risk. The vast majority of wildfires in New Jersey are caused by humans.
“The continuing impacts of climate change mean our state is experiencing more severe weather conditions, storms, wind and drought that can result in a longer wildfire season, which is why it is more important than ever that the public exercise caution and take steps to help protect their homes and property,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “Preventing wildfires also helps avoid catastrophic releases of carbon that contribute to and exacerbate climate change.”
New Jersey wildfire concerns heighten at this time of year because trees and bushes do not yet have full leaves, which leads to more sun reaching the forest floor and, when coupled with breezy or windy days, increasingly dry fallen leaves and pine needles. The dry underbrush acts as kindling for wildfire growth.
“Ninety-nine percent of wildfires in New Jersey are caused by humans through accidents, carelessness, negligence and even arson,” said Greg McLaughlin, Administrator and Chief of the Forest Fire Service. “The Forest Fire Service works diligently with local communities to educate residents how to keep their homes ‘Firewise’ in areas with high wildfire risk.”
New Jersey has had an early start to wildfire season this year. Since January 1, 2023, the Forest Fire Service has responded to 315 wildfires which have burned 919.75 acres. The largest of these fires was the Governors Branch Wildfire which sparked on March 7 in the Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area in Little Egg Harbor, Ocean County. Smoke from the fire was spotted at 11:45 a.m. by the nearby Cedar Bridge Fire Tower and reached 100% containment that evening after burning 418 acres of forest. The area where the fire burned had previously been treated with prescribed fire in 2018 and therefore did not burn as intensely as it could have. The cause of the Governors Branch fire remains under investigation.
In addition to responding to wildfires and other emergencies, the Forest Fire Service has been conducting prescribed burns statewide to reduce the intensity of wildfires, protect property and improve native habitat for plants and animals. It considers a variety of prescribed burning factors in consultation with the Division of Air Quality and never conducts prescribed burning on a Red Flag Warning Day. To date this year, 20,750.41 acres of forest, grasslands and marsh have been treated with prescribed fire.
February was one of driest months on record since recordkeeping started in 1895.
A lack of rain –and snow– is particularly concerning in southern parts where forest fuels are most volatile including New Jersey pine plains comparable chaparral fuels found California southern Oregon lack snow winter means ground fuels such as pine needles leaves compacted allowing rapidly dry out breezy windy days high risk January February marked mildest two months winter season record January mildest February fifth mildest according State Climatologist David Robinson noteworthy evaporation greater milder winters compared typically cold wet winters lead rapid drying understory debris act fuel
In 2022 Forest Fire Service responded wildfires burned acres including-acre Mullica River Wildfire Wharton State largest since Additionally drought watch nearly five months seeing driest summer lifted December
Most preventable Here’s reduce Don’t discard cigarettes matches smoking materials Contact nearest office information obtain Campfire Permit Don’t leave unattended Douse completely until cold touch Keep matches lighters away children Teach youth about safety Children learn mobile game Smokey’s Scouts Protect home structures creating defensible space Visit www.njwildfire.org Ensure trucks access driveways Report suspicious vehicles individuals authorities Use wood stoves fireplaces carefully emit embers spark Fully douse ashes water before disposal
Forest several useful tools website keep informed including Danger Dashboard Prescribed Notifications Map encourages stay informed about risk weather conditions may contribute spread Assistant Commissioner Parks Historic Sites everyone part protect life natural resources
To learn more about steps visit www.njwildfire.org Like Facebook page www.facebook.com/NJForestFireService/
