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DEP FOREST FIRE SERVICE URGES CAUTION DURING PROLONGED DRY CONDITIONS

October 30, 2024 - (24/P49) 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 mph 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,” Commissioner 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,” said Bill Donnelly, State Forest Firewarden and Chief of the Forest Fire Service. “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,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “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.”

New Jersey Under Statewide Drought Watch

The Murphy Administration issued a statewide Drought Watch on Oct. 17, strongly urging residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water as persistent dry and warmer-than-average conditions continue to stress the state’s water supplies.

During the past three months, New Jersey has experienced significantly below-average rainfall, which has contributed to diminished streamflow, reservoir, and groundwater levels.

The declaration of a Drought Watch is intended to increase public awareness and appreciation of the stress water supply sources are facing and encourages the public to practice voluntary water conservation measures. If conditions do not improve, declaration of a Drought Warning or a Drought Emergency with mandatory water use restrictions may become necessary.

The last Drought Watch in New Jersey occurred in August 2022 and was lifted in December 2022. The last statewide Drought Emergency with mandatory water use restrictions was declared in March 2002, and was lifted in January 2003.

For updated information about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies, visit dep.nj.gov/drought

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions about droughts, visit https://dep.nj.gov/drought/faq/

Prolonged Dry Conditions and Wildfire Risk

The drought index that the Forest Fire Service uses measures the dryness of soil and forest floor materials, such as leaves, pine needles, branches and twigs. This index is specifically designed to estimate wildfire potential. The index ranges from 0 to 800, with 0 representing completely saturated, wet soil and tops out at 800 representing extreme dryness and the maximum drought possible.

The Lebanon Fire Tower in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Burlington County, is presently reading the drought index as 725, representing near top level drought conditions and a condition rarely observed over decades of observations.

Another index estimates the amount of forest fuels that can contribute to the intensity and spread of wildfire. When this index reaches 120 or above it signals very high to extreme fire risk. The Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower’s Buildup Index is currently 203 in Wharton State Forest, Burlington County.

The Forest Fire Service posts these index readings on the NJ Fire Danger Dashboard.

Normally, leaves falling from trees in the fall still hold moisture. However, due to the dry conditions this year, leaves have already dried prior to hitting the ground, creating an increased fire threat.

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.

Smoke conditions can be observed throughout the state in areas that have experienced recent wildfires as the fires down into the duff layer of soil, which is especially common during dry periods. Smoke can be expected to remain present until significant rain falls over a fire area.

To learn more about wildfires in New Jersey, steps to protect property and other resources, visit www.njwildfire.org

Like the Forest Fire Service’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NJForestFireService/

Follow the Forest Fire Service on Twitter @njdepforestfire and Instagram @newjerseyforestfire

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