Smoky Air Possible During Controlled Burns At Chester Wildlife Area

CHESTER, NJ — The spring forest fire season has begun, and residents near Chester Township may see smoke in the air this week as environmental officials conduct prescribed field burns.

The controlled burns will take place beginning March 19 at the Black River Wildlife Management Area's office fields and the Dog Training Area in Chester Township, officials said. Access to these areas will be limited while the burns are going on.

The federal Bureau of Land Management is working with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service to burn nonnative vegetation, to make room for native plants to be put in the ground.

Controlled burns reduce the risk of forest fires by burning vegetative fuels in a controlled manner, such as fallen trees and dried leaves.

The Chester Volunteer Fire Company also noted forest fire season has arrived, in an update over the weekend. Fire officials noted that though Morris County has seen a fair deal of rain lately, combustibles in the woods can dry out very quickly and become highly flammable.

"Please be aware of what you are doing around the yard in these dry months," officials said.

All of New Jersey is at a moderate risk for fire danger today, per the NJ Forest Fire Service.