Be Careful With Fire as N.J. Wildfire Season Continues
With New Jersey now in peak wildfire season, the Forest Fire Service is reminding the public to help reduce the possibility of wildfires across the state.
Wildfire season in New Jersey typically occurs when weather warms, humidity decreases and winds pick up. However, the Forest Fire Service issues annual reminders to the public to be cautious with outdoor fires during all times and provides guidance on reducing wildfire risk. The vast majority of wildfires in New Jersey are caused by humans.
Most wildfires are preventable. Here’s how to help reduce wildfire risk:
- Don’t discard cigarettes, matches or smoking materials on the ground.
- Contact your nearest Forest Fire Service office for information on how to obtain a Campfire Permit.
- Don’t leave fires unattended. Douse them completely, until cold to the touch.
- Keep matches and lighters away from children. Teach youth about fire safety. Children can learn about wildfire safety with Smokey Bear’s new mobile game “Smokey’s Scouts.”
- Protect your home and other structures from wildfire by creating defensible space. Visit www.njwildfire.org for more information.
- Ensure fire trucks can access driveways.
- Report suspicious vehicles and individuals to authorities.
- Use wood stoves and fireplaces carefully, since both can emit embers that spark fires. Fully douse ashes with water before disposal.
The Forest Fire Service has several useful tools on its website to keep New Jersey residents informed, including the Fire Danger Dashboard and the Prescribed Fire Notifications Map.
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.”
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