Multiple Sayreville Brush Fires Battled Tuesday Night: Fire Officials

SAYREVILLE, NJ - Firefighters extinguished multiple brush fires across Sayreville Friday night, fire officials said.

The initial fire was reported just before 6 p.m. near Jernee Mill Road, the Sayreville Volunteer Fire Department said in a statement Tuesday night. Shortly after firefighters were dispatched, multiple reports came in of brush fires behind Zaleski Drive.

“The calls continued to come in along the rail line and extended all the way down to Crossmans [Clay] Pit,” fire officials said. “All four Sayreville fire companies were involved in the efforts to control the multiple brush fires throughout the town.”

No injuries were reported in connection with the brush fires as of Tuesday night.
The volunteer fire department thanked fire officials from Cheesequake, Colonia, East Brunswick, Helmetta, Hopelawn, Laurence Harbor, Madison Park, South Amboy, South Old Bridge and South River, as well as the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and county coordinators.

“Everyone from Sayreville … and our mutual aid companies worked hard and for long hours to contain this blaze,” the department said. “Thank you to everyone involved for helping get these fires under control, we appreciate and applaud your efforts.”

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.

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