Backyard Fire Pit In Howell Sparks Blaze In Woods, Road Closure

HOWELL, NJ — Fort Plains Road in Howell had to be shut down Tuesday afternoon when woods along the road caught fire from a spark from a nearby residential fire pit, police said.

The fire was extinguished with minimal damage and considered accidental, according to police.

Police did not specify the time or duration of the road closure.

Howell police were called when residents at 3 Rockspray Court said they were burning wood in a fire pit at the back of the house when a big gust of wind came along and a spark ignited bushes at the house.

The fire then spread from the bushes to woods along Fort Plains Road, police said in a news release.

Patrols and detectives responded to the area, secured and shut down the road, police said.

Southard and Adelphia fire companies and the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service responded and extinguished the blaze, police said.

The fire service also had a low flying airplane in the area, available for dumping water if necessary, police said. Police did not say if it was necessary to dump water.

The state Forest Fire Service indicated the incident caused minimal damage and appeared accidental, police said.

The state Forest Fire Service advises residents that April marks peak wildfire season in New Jersey.

Some wildfire facts:

• 99 percent of New Jersey wildfires are caused by people.
• 9 out of 10 homes destroyed by wildfire are the result wildfire embers.

There are methods homeowners can use to prepare their homes to withstand wildfire ember attacks and minimize the likelihood of wildfire damaging your property.

To learn more about the Home Ignition Zone and steps to protect your property visit this site at the state Forest Fire Service.