Controlled Forest Fire Burn Taking Place At Duke Farms, Natirar Park

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — The New Jersey Fire Service will hold a forest fire prescribed burning on Monday in Hillsborough and on Tuesday in Peapack and Gladstone.

Duke Farms, at 1112 Dukes Parkway W in Hillsborough, is closed Monday as the NJ State Forest Fire Service will be conducting a controlled burn to control woody and invasive species, returning nutrients to the soil and facilitating the regeneration of high-value, biodiverse habitats, according to Duke Farms.

"Controlled burns are important for maintaining healthy and beautiful meadows!" wrote Duke Farms. "This is just one of the ways we actively manage land to advance our stewardship plan."

Peapack And Gladstone Police Department also announced that on Tuesday, Feb. 7, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service will be conducting a controlled burn at Natirar Park.

Locals should expect to see smoke in the areas of the burns on Monday and Tuesday.

The primary purpose of prescribed burning in New Jersey is to reduce the hazardous accumulations of forest fuels. This aids in the prevention of wildfires, reduces the intensity of the fires, and also provides a foundation for safer, more effective fire suppression and protection operations, according to the NJ Fire Service.

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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