Wildfire Threat 'Critical' Across NJ As Temps Warm Up

NEW JERSEY — Observers are keeping watch Wednesday, looking out for any signs of fire due to critical fire weather conditions across New Jersey, officials say.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Wednesday, in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., because of the combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels — leaves, pine needles, underbrush — on the ground.

The red flag warning means any fires that develop have the potential to get out of control quickly and become difficult to contain.

The weather service said winds are expected to be lower Wednesday by 5 to 10 mph, but temperatures are anticipated to be 5 to 10 degrees warmer. Relative humidity remains around 20 to 30 percent.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service was continuing to fight a wildfire — defined as a blaze of 200 acres or more — in Burlington County that started Tuesday. The River Road wildfire in Washington Township off Route 542 and River Road is at 257 acres and 85 percent contained, the forest fire service said. Read more: 257-Acre Wildfire In Burlington County Is Mostly Contained: Officials

That fire is one of 160 wildfires across New Jersey in the past 10 days, four of which are considered major wildfires, the service said.

Greg McLaughlin, chief of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, said the effect of clear, sunny warm weather and low humidity "ripens" leaves, pine needles and dead foliage on the ground, drying them out more. That makes them catch fire far more quickly.

"The swamps are dry so that's adding to the issues," said Bill Love, assistant fire warden with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

That is why it is imperative for people to be aware of what they are doing that could spark a fire, McLaughlin said.

Ninety-nine percent of wildfires are the result of human activity, Love said.

The state has tightened campfire restrictions; no charcoal fires are permitted and campfires are only permitted in wooded areas if they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas, or electricity.

Bill Love, assistant firewarden for the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, said there are people staffing the 21 watchtowers across the state 24 hours a day, keeping a lookout for any signs of fire. In addition, the state has planes flying over areas to keep an eye out, and they have ground patrols watching fire-prone areas.

The goal is to be able to respond quickly to contain the fires before they get out of control. McLaughlin last week said 75 percent of the fires they battle are contained to 10 acres or less.

Speedy response on Tuesday prevented two fires in Berkeley Township from becoming more serious, officials there said. Read more: 2 Brush Fires Ignite On High-Risk Day In Bayville

They also continue to monitor wildfires that are contained, as they will continue to smolder for days or even weeks, in the trunks of trees, in roots under ground. Firefighters douse any spots that flare up, with the goal of keeping any issues within the contained fire area, McLaughlin said.

The biggest need right now is rain, Love said.

"We're going to be at this until it rains," with a soaking rain that seeps into the lower levels of the fuels on the ground. "As long as the public assists us we'll be able to keep these at a small size."

The Forest Fire Service has tips to help prevent wildfires on its website.