Friday, April 14, 2023

2023 New Jersey Wildfire Season - Busy Week

This has been a busy week for the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and various mutual aid local fire companies, in part due to the severe fire weather over the last three days that is continuing today, April 14th.

Fire Weather Planning Forecast National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 10:06 AM EDT Fri Apr 14 2023

.DISCUSSION...

Another period of elevated fire weather conditions is possible today as dry and warm conditions continue. Min RH values will again drop into the 20-30% range across E PA and N NJ, with higher min RH values around 30-35% across S NJ and Delmarva. S SW winds around 10mph, with isolated gusts up to 15mph are possible through the afternoon. At this time, criteria does not meet Red Flag Warning, but we will be in contact with our partners later this morning to determine if a SPS is needed.

By this weekend, we will finally see some much needed rainfall, with amounts near a quarter of an inch. This may temporarily limit the risk of fire spread until early next week.

While I have been focusing on two major wildfires including the Kanouse Fire that is still burning, I am aware that many smaller but not insignificant wildfires and brush fires have burned this week. Unfortunately, I do not have a list of these fires, but I know that they were there. New Jersey Forest Service Wildland Firefighters assisted by local fire companies, some of which are volunteers have worked these fires. With the Kanouse Fire still burning in West Milford, I am not sure of the specifics of the availability of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service's contract airplanes or the NJFFS helicopters based in northern New Jersey. 

Kudos to all the firefighters working these fires. Thanks for your sacrifice to keep us safe.


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