NJ’s Peak Wildfire Season May Be More Dangerous This Year: Here's Why

NEW JERSEY - Fire officials around the Garden State are warning residents of the increased potential for forest fires after a 2,500-acre fire in South Jersey led to mass evacuations and threatened 75 structures Tuesday night. Read more: 2,500 Acres Burning In Manchester Wildfire, Hundreds Evacuated

As of Wednesday morning, only 10% of the fire has been contained, state forest fire officials said in an update. Route 70 remains closed in both directions at CR 539/CR 530/Whiting New Egypt Road in Manchester, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

WILDFIRE UPDATE: Manchester Township – Jimmy’s Waterhole Fire

There have been significant updates to the wildfire burning in Manchester Township on federal, state and private property. pic.twitter.com/MMidFGuZQB
— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) April 12, 2023

The current statewide fire danger is “very high” at and above Mercer and Middlesex counties; the rest of the state is at a “high” risk, according to a fire danger map from the state Department of Environmental Protection. Related: No Homes Damaged, Brush Fire Extinguished In Brick

1,500 wildfires damage or destroy 7,000 acres of New Jersey forests on an average year, according to the DEP.

Mid-March through May serves as peak wildfire season in the Garden State due to expected humidity increases and stronger winds, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The springtime also presents a greater risk of wildfires as trees don’t yet have full leaves, prompting more sun to hit the forest floor and dry out fallen brush. While 99 percent of wildfires in the state are attributed to human carelessness, accidents or arson, the riskier peak wildfire season may actually be extended due to changing climate patterns, state officials said.

However, 2023's peak season may pose an even greater risk of wildfires as the lack of snow in South Jersey this winter have prevented pine needles and leaves from compacting. The result: this "ground fuel" may rapidly dry out on breezy or windy days that are at high risk for wildfire, state officials said.

“The continuing impacts of climate change mean our state is experiencing more severe weather conditions, storms, wind and drought that can result in a longer wildfire season, which is why it is more important than ever that the public exercise caution and take steps to help protect their homes and property,” New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said in a statement. “Preventing wildfires also helps avoid catastrophic releases of carbon that contribute to and exacerbate climate change.”

State fire officials have already had a busy year, responding to 315 wildfires that have burned over 919 acres since Jan. 1. The largest wildfire of 2023 to date was the March 7 Governors Branch Wildfire in the Stafford Forge Wildlife Management Area in Little Egg Harbor, which burned 418 acres of forest.

The cause of the Governors Branch fire remains under investigation, state officials said.

In 2022, the Forest Fire Service responded to 1,175 wildfires across 12,664 acres, including the 11,129.5-acre Mullica River Wildfire in Wharton State Forest. The blaze served as the largest wildfire in New Jersey since 2007.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service recommends the following to reduce the risk of wildfires:

• Don’t discard matches, cigarettes or smoking materials on the ground
• Obtain a campfire permit from the Forest Fire Service office
• Don’t leave fires unattended, and douse them completely to put them out
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children
• Ensure fire trucks can access driveways
• Report suspicious vehicles and individuals
• Use wood stoves and fireplaces carefully; fully douse ashes with water before disposal