State's Controlled Burning Program Is Underway

TRENTON - Don't be alarmed in the coming month if you see large plumes of smoke in some wooded areas and forests, especially in the sprawling Pine Barrens in southern New Jersey.

The New Jersey State Forest Fire Service's seasonal prescribed burning program has begun. The service takes advantage of the late winter months to burn potential forest fire fuels such as undergrowth, leaves, branches and pine needle on forest floors to reduce wildfire risks.

"Since 1906, the Forest Fire Service has protected property, lives and infrastructure by creating defensible space and strategic fire breaks near developed areas," said Greg McLaughlin, Acting Chief of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. "These prescribed burns help prevent wildfires, reduce the intensity of these fires, and provide a foundation for safer, more effective fire suppression and protection operations."

The prescribed burns, also known as controlled burns, will continue through the end of March and take place on roughly 30,000 acres. Most burns will occur on state-owned property such as state forests, parks and wildlife management areas, and other government lands.

The burns are generally conducted during late winter months to reduce the amount of smoke produced and when weather conditions tend to be safer for controlled fires, according to a DEP release

How does the Forest Fire Service do a controlled burn?

Personnel use handheld torches to set smaller fires to burn away debris on forest floors. They consider wind, moisture and other weather conditions before starting the controlled burns to avoid damaging mature trees or the forest canopy, according to the DEP.

Prime wildfire season typically begins in early spring when fallen leaves, branches and twigs are in abundance and the wether is likely to be dry, windy and warm. Spring weather conditions coupled with lack of new leaf growth makes forest debris more susceptible to the drying effects of wind and sun.

Drivers in areas near controlled burning should observe posted reduced speed limits and the presence of trucks and Forest Fire Service personnel.

To sign up for text or email notifications of prescribed burns, visit: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-

The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry also provides notice through its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/newjerseyforests

When in doubt about the source of smoke or if a fire is part of a prescribed burning operation, call 9-1-1 or 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337).

The public may contact one of the State Forest Fire Service's three Division offices at www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/fire/contactus.html to learn more about the prescribed burns program and where burns are expected to be conducted.

To learn more about wildfires in New Jersey, steps to protect property, and other resources, click on the Forest Fire Service logo above or visit: www.njwildfire.org

Photo: Patch archive photo