Fire Danger High In Ocean And Monmouth Counties

by Patricia A. Miller

Think twice before you flick that cigarette butt out your car window.

The state Department of Environmental Protection has rated the fire danger in both Ocean and Monmouth counties as high, after weeks with scant rainfall have led to tinder-dry woods.

The two counties are in the DEP’s Division B - which also includes Middlesex, Burlington and Mercer counties, according to the DEP’s State Forestry Services website.

A high rating means all dead fire fuels will ignite easily from most causes. Unattended brush and campfires may spread rapidly and high- intensity burning may developer on slopes or where fine deal fuels are concentrated.

“Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small,” the website states.

All four counties are in a “Stage 2” fire restriction rating system. That means fires in wooded areas are prohibited unless they are in an elevated, prepared fireplace, elevated charcoal grill or using electricity or a liquid or gas fuel.

An elevated prepared fireplace must be constructed of steel, stone, brick or concrete. The fire box elevated at least one foot above the ground surface and surrounded by at least a ten feet radius clearance to mineral soil.

Here’s hoping the affected counties get some much-need rain this week. The National Weather Service is calling for sunny skies today but a chance of thunderstorms the rest of the week.