As we in New Jersey enter the peak wildfire season, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service issued a news release on April 3rd: Forest Fire Service Reminds Residents to be Careful with Fire as New Jersey Enters Peak Wildfire Season. It is worth the read, and I as a New Jersey resident do try to be mindful of what the NJFFS has written. Here are some of my take aways from this news release:
- New Jersey is experiencing more severe weather conditions including storms and drought that means a longer wildfire season.
- Residents should take steps to protect their homes, refer to Firewise for steps you can take to protect your homes.
- New Jersey's wildfire season started early this year with 315 wildfires burning 919.75 acres through April 3rd including the 418 acres Governors Branch Wildfire in the Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area in Ocean County.
- February was very dry, coming in at the eleventh driest since 1895.
- Most wildfires in New Jersey are caused by humans: “Ninety-nine percent of wildfires in New Jersey are caused by humans through accidents, carelessness, negligence and even arson,” said Greg McLaughlin, Administrator and Chief of the Forest Fire Service. “The Forest Fire Service works diligently with local communities to educate residents how to keep their homes ‘Firewise’ in areas with high wildfire risk.”
- There are things we can do prevent wildfires such as not disposing of cigarettes on the ground, be careful with fireplaces and wood burning stoves, thoroughly douse a camp fire, and be sure it is cold to the touch, teach children about fire safety, and keep matches and lighters away from children. See the news release for more ways we can help prevent wildfires.
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