New Jersey orders fire restrictions in all 21 counties as drought worsens and wildfires increase

New Jersey authorities have imposed significant restrictions on outdoor burning due to the worsening drought that has caused more wildfires than usual this month.

“We've had a spate of fires,” New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly said during a news conference Monday afternoon.

“Last week alone we had 107 fires, a total of 183 acres burned,” Donnelly noted. “For the year we sit at 917 fires today (October 21). Of these 917 fires, four were major fires that burned more than 100 hectares.”

Donnelly said New Jersey's fall fire season typically runs from mid-October to mid-November, but increased earlier than usual this year due to long stretches of warm and extremely dry weather.

Due to severe drought, increasing wildfires and straining the state's drinking water systems, the governor's office declared a drought warning late last week, and the state Department of Environmental Protection – which oversees New Jersey's wildfire response – on Monday issued warnings in all 21 counties in the state Level 3 fire restrictions imposed.

Level 3, the highest level of restrictions, means lighting an open fire within or near wooded areas is not permitted unless it is an elevated stove or grill that uses propane, natural gas or electricity only said the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

“The only fires we allow are those fueled by propane, whether it’s a gas grill or a gas fireplace,” Donnelly said.

“No open fires on the ground” are allowed, he said. The same rule applies to charcoal grills, tiki torches and other types of appliances that cannot be turned off immediately because there is a high risk of starting a brush fire or major wildfire.

“You'd be surprised that the silliest things start fires when it's this dry,” Donnelly said, noting the high risks of discarded cigarette butts or ash from wood stoves.

He said it's also possible for gasoline-powered lawn mowers to ignite dry grass.

“We just want to remind everyone to be extra careful,” Donnelly said. “It’s dry out there. Now there are fires happening that wouldn't normally happen for one reason or another…It's imperative that people exercise a little more caution.”

The Drought Watch is urging New Jersey residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water.

If drought conditions do not improve, a drought warning or drought emergency with mandatory water use restrictions could be required, officials noted.

“It is dry and will continue to be dry, and we are seeking public support to reduce unnecessary water use and prevent further action in the future,” said Steve Domber, New Jersey state geologist.

Domber noted that New Jersey has experienced below-average precipitation over the past five months and the situation worsened as fall began.

“September (rainfall) was seven centimeters below normal, making it the third driest in history. And in October we had almost no rain,” Domber said. “We also had above-average temperatures all year round. And both conditions – the dryness and the warmth – result in less or less (water) supply and high demand.”

Most areas of New Jersey have had no measurable rain for more than three consecutive weeks, and forecasters are predicting no significant rain for at least another week.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a small chance of scattered showers late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, but no heavy rain is expected.