Controlled Burn Planned At Duke Island Park, Duke Farms

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is planning to conduct controlled burns in Bridgewater and Hillsborough on Monday, authorities said.

A prescribed burn is planned on March 18 at Duke Island Park off Old York Road in Bridgewater and also at Duke Farms in Hillsborough.

"Prescribed burns are important for maintaining healthy and beautiful meadows," said Duke Farms.

Prescribed burns, typically done between February and April, are done to control woody and invasive species, returning nutrients to the soil and facilitating the regeneration of high value, biodiverse habitats.

"This is just one of the ways we actively manage land to advance our stewardship plan," said Duke Farms.

"By actively eliminating sources of fuel that exacerbate forest fire risks through a controlled and prescribed burning program, the Forest Fire Service reduces risk to New Jersey residents, visitors and the environment," according to New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

You can visit the Forest Fire Service's special dashboard to see when you can expect a prescribed burn in the next five days and when they are currently being done.

However, if in doubt about the source of smoke or fire, call 9-1-1 or 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).

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