Friday, April 22, 2022

2022 NJ wildfire season: enhanced fire danger

I wrote on April 8 reflecting on then recent rainfall wondering if drought conditions in New Jersey would diminish. The answer is yes, most of New Jersey is no longer under drought conditions. Only southern New Jersey is abnormally dry. While I am happy that my area of New Jersey is no longer seeing drought conditions, I am aware that wild fire danger is always present.

Obtained on April 22, 2022 from https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?NJ

Dry conditions can exacerbate fire danger, but fire danger exists without a drought because other factors such as high winds and low relative humidity values play into wildfire danger. And fuels and soil can dry quickly after a rainfall. Today we in New Jersey are under enhanced fire weather warnings. I want to thank the New Jersey Forest Fire for all that they will do today to keep us in New Jersey as safe as we can be from wildfires. Be safe out there.


Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ

405 AM EDT Fri Apr 22 2022

...Enhanced Threat for Fire Spread Today...

The combination of lower humidity values, breezy conditions, and drying fine fuels will lead to an enhanced threat for fire spread today across portions of eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and eastern Maryland. Relative humidity values are forecast to drop into the 20s to around 30 percent, while winds will gust out of the northwest around 20 to 25 mph at times.

Residents are urged to exercise caution handling any potential ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches. Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses and tree litter that ignites will have the potential to spread fire quickly.

For more information about wildfire danger, burn restrictions, and wildfire prevention and education, please visit your state forestry or environmental protection website.


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