Prescribed Burning Taking Place In Lacey Township On Saturday

Chances are, that smoke you smell wafting through Southern Ocean County today could be from a controlled burn by the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service.

Burns are taking place in Lacey Township today and Greenwood State Forest, according to the Forest Fire Service Facebook page.

When in doubt about the source of the smoke or fire, call 9-1-1 or 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337). The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry will provide as much notice as possible of prescribed burns through this facebook page at:www.facebook.com/newjerseyforests

The prescribed burning program eliminates the buildup of undergrowth fallen trees and branches, leaves, pine needles and other flammable debris.
"Residents are advised that they may see large plumes of smoke in areas where these controlled burns are being conducted," according to a release from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The burns will take place through the end of March. The burns are usually conducted in the late winter months, to minimize the amount of smoke and when weather conditions are safer.

“Prescribed burning is an important tool in keeping our forests and other wildlands safe and healthy,” said Bill Edwards, Chief of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. “These burns are conducted only under exacting conditions by highly trained personnel. By burning them away now, we can reduce the risk of these materials serving as tinder for wildfires later in the year. This practice also improves the overall ecological health of our forests and grasslands.”

Image: New Jersey State Forest Fire Service.