An average of 1,500 wildfires damage or destroy 7,000 acres of New Jersey's forests.

Wildfires not only damage our woodlands, but are becoming an increasing threat to homeowners who live within or adjacent to forest environments and residents who utilize the state's great outdoors for various forms of recreation.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is the agency responsible for protecting life and property, as well as the state's natural resources from wildfire.

Much has been accomplished in the battle against wildfires. Improved training, equipment and technological advances have reduced the number of acres burned, while increased prevention efforts have reduced wildfire occurrence. However, there is still much to be done in the annual battle against wildfires.

In order to do a better job, the Forest Fire Service believes that is is necessary to let the public know the extent of the problem, how it affects them, and what needs to be done. It is important for the public to understand what the Forest Fire Service is responsible for, how it operates and serves them in the prevention and suppression of wildfires.

Goals and Objectives

The objectives of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service are to hold wildfire losses at a level commensurate with values protected and to do the job safely and efficiently.

The goal is to limit the number of wildfires to under 2,000 annually and the acreage burned to less than one half of one percent (.5%) of the 3.15 million acres protected, or 15,750 acres.