NJ Drought Worsens Fire Risk

New Jersey Fire Danger Dashboard rates the danger as “extreme” For Central NJ

The public is strongly urged to heed the Stage 3 fire restrictions that are in now in effect as our extremely dry conditions are expected to persist across the state.

Mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions 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.

A red flag warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect today until 6 pm due to gusty winds and the low relative humidity for Mercer County, as well as other portions of Central and Southern NJ.  These conditions are favorable for the rapid spread of fires. Any fires that develop may become difficult to contain, especially cross the Pine Barrens region.

“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,” NJDEP 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.”

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