Fire restrictions in place amid extended forecast of dry conditions

TRENTON - Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and the New Jersey DEP Forest Fire Service today strongly urged the public to heed Stage 3 fire restrictions that are in place as extremely dry conditions are expected to persist across New Jersey.

Mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions, put in place earlier this week, prohibit all fires unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas or electricity. No wood or charcoal fires are allowed, and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited while this level of restriction is in place. The fire ban is in place on all public lands and private properties in all municipalities throughout the state.

The next several days are of specific concern as wind gusts are forecast in excess of 20 miles-per-hour with very low humidity. In response, the Forest Fire Service has contracted additional aerial resources capable of dropping 600 gallons of water at a time to stage in the event of a wildfire.

In addition, observers in fire towers across the state are vigilantly watching for any signs of wildfires, while measuring weather readings daily that include temperature, humidity, along with a drought index, which has indicated unprecedented dry conditions. This has raised concern about the potential rapid spread of wildfires in the state.

“We are currently experiencing some of the driest conditions ever, making our forests, in particular the sprawling Pinelands region of southern New Jersey, especially vulnerable to wildfires that could spread very quickly and threaten property,” LaTourette said. “It is critical that members of the public be extra cautious about fire prevention and refrain from using any open flames.”

“When conditions become this dry, the simplest things can start a wildfire,” State Forest Firewarden and Chief of the Forest Fire Service Bill Donnelly said. “In my 30-year career with the Forest Fire Service, I can’t recall a time when we faced such a prolonged period of dry weather with no relief in sight.”

“In the late 1800s, severe dry conditions similar to what we are experiencing today was the impetus for the creation of the Forest Fire Service,”Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites John Cecil said. “New Jerseyans should be mindful of the current severe dry conditions across the state, adhere to the Forest Fire Service’s fire restrictions and exercise caution in their daily activities.”

Wildfire Prevention Tips

Most wildfires can be avoided by adhering to these commonsense safety tips:

• Don’t discard cigarettes, matches or smoking materials on the ground.
• Use indoor wood stoves and fireplaces carefully, both can emit embers that spark fires. Fully douse ashes with water before disposal.
• When towing a trailer, ensure you aren’t dragging chains. If a trailer chain drags on the road, it can create sparks that fly into nearby vegetation, igniting a wildfire.
• Be mindful where you park or drive your vehicle. Hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation if parked or driven over it.
• Be careful when cutting your grass or using other yard tools. Power tools like lawnmowers and chainsaws can throw off sparks that ignite dry grass or leaves.
• 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.

Since the start of the year, New Jersey has experienced 934 wildfires which have burned 6,715.5 acres across the Garden State.