Millburn Launches Wildland Fire Safety Program

Residents of Millburn/Short Hills are fortunate to live adjacent to wooded areas, including the 2,000 South Mountain Reservation, the Oakey Tract, and the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum. The town’s proximity to these wildlands affords residents the opportunity to observe wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

But if a fire occurred in a wooded area near township homes, the potential for a disaster would be high, according to the Millburn Fire Department.

The MFD is now in the process of evaluating the township for designation as a Firewise Community. The program - operated by the National Fire Protection Association - recognizes townships that take specific steps to reducing fire risk.

Working with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the MFD is now collecting data on potential wildfire threats and launching a campaign to help residents safeguard their properties.

According to a release, the Firewise program will be formally launched in October at the annual Fire Department Open House at the end of Fire Protection Week.

“We look forward to keeping the community informed as this important educational initiative continues,” stated Millburn Fire Chief J. Michael Roberts. “We are grateful for the cooperation of every resident in taking the common-sense steps necessary to protect our community and families.”

In the meantime, the MFD is offering residents the following tips to help reduce their fire risks:

• Remember that no open burning is allowed in the township; residents using a Chiminea or fire bowl should burn only hard wood, as with an indoor fireplace.
• Never burn trash or yard waste.
• Avoid leaving a fire unattended, and have a garden hose at the ready to extinguish the fire when needed.
• Trim and maintain brush and trees, and avoid storing dead wood or dry brush.
• Keep cooking grills safely away from homes, structures, and wooded areas.
• If you have a home fireplace, have a spark arrestor installed at the top of the chimney to keep sparks from falling into gutters or brush around the property.

Send Millburn news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch