| STATEWIDE FIRE RESTRICTIONS
ELEVATED
Dry Weather Causes Concern
(06/19) TRENTON - Windy and dry weather
conditions prompted Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner
Lisa P. Jackson today to impose statewide fire restrictions on recreational
campfires. The elevated risk of forest fires is rated high to very
high meaning a fire can be sparked easily and spread rapidly.
"Wildfires can affect entire communities by destroying homes
and natural habitat and by killing wildlife," Commissioner
Jackson said. "Ninety-nine percent of all wildfires in New
Jersey are caused by human activity. People must take all necessary
safety precautions in wildlands and forests."
Recreational campfires are under Stage 1 restrictions which prohibits
fires on the ground unless in a prepared fire ring. A prepared fire
ring must be constructed of steel, stone, brick, or concrete with
a gravel or masonry base.
Everyone in forested areas is reminded to use extreme caution with
outdoor fires. All outdoor fires require permits. Caution also should
be exercised with smoking materials and the use of equipment that
could discharge sparks. Grass, brush and trees are extremely susceptible
to fire.
Taking fire prevention steps can lessen the likelihood of fires:
- Keep lighters and matches away from children.
- Use ashtrays. Littering of smoking materials is a violation
of New Jersey law.
- People living in forested areas should maintain a defensible
buffer by clearing away vegetation within at least 30 feet from
structures.
- Be careful with fire. Obtain permits for all outdoor and recreational
fires in wooded areas. Check with the local Forest Fire Warden
for restrictions.
- Report suspicious vehicles and individuals. Arson is a significant
cause of wildfires in New Jersey.
The state Forest Fire Service has responded so far this year to
511 blazes that have consumed 1,297 acres, an increase from the
94 wildfires burning 146 acres reported during the same time period
last year.
This year marks a century for the State Forest Fire Service since
its creation by the legislature in 1906.
For additional information on specific wildfire hazards, permit
restrictions, fire prevention activities, or celebration of the100th
anniversary of the Forest Fire Service, visit www.njwildfire.org
or contact the following locations:
- Forest Fire Service State Headquarters, Trenton, Mercer County
(609) 292-2977
- Northern Forest Fire Headquarters in Andover, Sussex County
(973) 786-6350
- Central Forest Fire Headquarters in New Lisbon, Burlington
County (609) 726-9010
- Southern Forest Fire Headquarters in Mays Landing, Atlantic
County (609) 625-1121
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