Wildfires Throughout NJ As Drought Persists: See Where

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey forest fire service crews are battling yet another wildfire on Monday, this one in Wharton State Forest.

Outdoor fires have been prevalent in recent weeks, spreading quickly because of the region's worsening drought — and there is no rain in the forecast until this weekend. Several major wildfires, and dozens of smaller ones, have broken out over this period of dry weather.

The latest blaze was detected Monday morning around Tremont Avenue and Burnt Mill Road in Waterford Township, officials said. Residents in nearby Atco, Berlin, and Waterford are expected to see smoke from the wildfire, but officials said no homes or businesses are currently threatened at this time.

On Sunday, a small fire was also reported south of Chester Township, in Morris County. That's according to the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management's Wildfire Monitoring Dashboard, which also maps potential hotspots that are picked up by satellite (see below).

Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette noted that the state is experiencing an "unprecedented" dry spell and urged residents not to build bonfires, set off fireworks, or drop their cigarettes on the ground. Forest Fire crews have responded to more than 351 wildfires since the dry spell began on Sept. 15, LaTourette said.

"Please be careful, be observant, and be safe," he said. "Do not start an outdoor fire."

Statewide fire restrictions continued into Monday, prohibiting charcoal fires and only allowing fires in elevated stoves that use only propane, gas, natural gas or electricity. The state also issued a drought watch on Oct. 17, encouraging residents and businesses to conserve water.

"If you use an indoor wood stove or fireplace, make sure to fully douse those ashes with water before disposing of them," LaTourette advised.

As of the latest updates, firefighters have mostly contained two major wildfires that began on Halloween: A 137-acre blaze in Downe Twp. (Cumberland County) and a 202-acre fire in Rockaway Twp. (Morris County). Crews are remaining on scene to address any areas of concern.

And last week, officials announced that a 192-acre fire burning in Livingston (Essex Co.) had reached 90 percent containment — meaning that it is not expected to spread any farther, though small areas may still be burning.

Smoke is expected to linger in the air near these communities until the next significant rainfall douses any burning fuel left remaining, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service noted.