Wildfire Danger Warning Issued For Ocean County

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather alert for Ocean County and southern New Jersey on Monday, saying the weather is making conditions favorable for wildfires.

The special weather statement is in effect until 8 p.m., according to the service's Mount Holly office.

There is an enhanced risk of wildfire spread in the afternoon and evening as the weather continues to dry out, forecasters say. The relative humidity — the amount of moisture in the air — is expected to fall below 30 percent on Monday afternoon.

In addition, winds from the southwest at 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph are expected. The two elements combined will continue to dry out "fine fuels" — items such as pine needles, leaves, dead brush and small twigs — on the ground in forested areas.

"The combination of these conditions will create an elevated risk for the spread of wildfires" in central and southern New Jersey as well as other areas nearby.

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