High Risk Of Wildfire Spread Prompt Fire Restrictions In Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Fire restrictions were issued for the entire state, including Somerset County, on Wednesday due to the elevated risk of wildfire spread in the area.

In Somerset County, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions: All fires in wooded areas will be prohibited unless in an elevated prepared fireplace, elevated charcoal grill or stove using electricity or a liquid or gas fuel. An elevated prepared fireplace must meet the following criteria: constructed of steel, stone, brick or concrete, elevated at least one foot above the ground and surrounded by a mineral soil radius no less than 10 feet, according to New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Several other counties such as Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren, Hopewell Township in Mercer County, Union, Hunterdon, and Middlesex (north of the Raritan River) were also included in the Stage 2 restrictions.

Additionally, the US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions in the Pinelands region of New Jersey – Atlantic, Northwestern Burlington, Southeastern Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Ocean counties.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels. Any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain, according to NJ Forest Fire Service.

View current New Jersey fire danger levels by clicking here.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.