Open Fires Banned In Lawrence Township Due To Dry Weather Condition

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – An emergency open fire ban has been put in place in Lawrence Township beginning Thursday, the police and fire department said.

The ban takes effect immediately and will remain in place indefinitely.

The ban came into effect due to the prolonged dry weather conditions in the state.

" Extreme dry conditions across our region have created dangerous fire risks. This ban is mandated by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and remains in effect until further notice,” the Township said.

All open burning, including fire pits and charcoal grills, have been banned. Only propane grills are permitted.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning across Mercer County, due to dry weather.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly due to a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels.

“The combination of very dry conditions, low relative humidity, and gusty winds will result in favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires. Any fires that develop may become difficult to contain, especially across the Pine Barrens region,” the NWS said.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows that several New Jersey counties are experiencing severe drought conditions.

Much of North Jersey is considered "abnormally dry," while other communities in Central Jersey, South Jersey, and the Shore region are seeing moderate drought.

On Monday, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service implemented Stage 3 fire restrictions as the state deals with historically dry conditions.

Under the restrictions, charcoal fires are prohibited. All fires in wooded areas must be contained in an elevated stove, using only propane, natural gas, gas, or electricity.

Gov. Phil Murphy's administration issued a statewide drought watch last Thursday, asking residents and business to reduce their water use. Low rainfall and warmer-than-average temperatures over the past few months have stressed the state's water supplies, officials said.

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