New Jersey Wildfire SMART

 

Direct link to video from NJ Spotlight News on YouTube

Some of you know that I did my best to post about the 2024 fall wildfire season in New Jersey, the worst wildfire season in about 100 years. On February 13th New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced an initiative called New Jersey Wildfire SMART aimed at various actions that can be taken to reduce the risks posed by wildfires. In a February 13th press release announcing the New Jersey Wildfire SMART initiative, they say in part:

“New Jersey experienced significant dryness this past fall, resulting in an extended wildfire season throughout the state in 2024 and providing a sobering reminder that we must be prepared for the spring wildfire season,” said Governor Murphy. “It is more important than ever that we share information and continue to work collaboratively to protect lives, properties, and communities.” 

 

“Preparedness is essential, especially as climate change continues to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of wildfires in New Jersey,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “We need to be even more vigilant going into the spring wildfire season and follow the actions of NJ Wildfire SMART, which will help mitigate wildfire risk statewide.”

 

“The Forest Fire Service works year-round protecting New Jersey communities from the threat of wildfires,” said Greg McLaughlin, Administrator for Forests & Natural Lands. “In addition to protecting lives and property, the Forest Fire Service assists with natural disasters, maintains hundreds of miles of roads, works alongside multiple cooperators to develop and implement strategic plans that reduce the risk of future wildfires, and lends their talents to other states when wildfires strike.”



“Meeting with municipal partners ahead of New Jersey’s spring fire season is essential to strengthening communication, coordination and preparedness when addressing wildfire risk and responding to developing incidents,” said Bill Donnelly, Chief of the DEP Forest Fire Service. “We share the common goal of ensuring New Jersey’s communities and forest resources are protected from wildfires, and today’s roundtable allows us to proactively address any concerns.”

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has a new webpage devoted to New Jersey Wildfire SMART where they discuss safety, mitigation, awareness, and training along with NJFFS videos on prescribed fire, fire towers, and the use of Single Engine Airtankers to help the firefighters on the ground fight wildfires.