Crime & Safety

Planned Forest Fire At Ash Brook Reservation Friday

The burning will last 2 hours on about 3 acres of land in Union County's Ash Brook Reservation in Scotch Plains.

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A forest fire prescribed burning will take place on Friday on about three acres in Union County's Ash Brook Reservation in Scotch Plains, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection announced.

The burning will last about two hours and take place off Raritan Avenue on what is known as the "Red Hill." The area is not immediately near any homes or private property, Union County officials noted.

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 New Jersey Fire Service.

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The burn will also prevent the area from succeeding from a native meadow into a forest.

If in doubt about the source of smoke or fire, residents are call 911 or Union County Police at 908-654-9800.

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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