Lightning Caused 2 NJ Wildfires In June, Officials Say

BURLINGTON COUNTY - Two New Jersey fires this month stemmed from lightning strikes, state officials said Tuesday.

The Acorn Hill and Flatiron wildfires in Burlington County began during two separate June storms on Monday and June 3, respectively, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The Forest Fire Service investigated both fires in coordination with the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety and the Burlington County Fire Marshal.

The Acorn Hill blaze broke out during the day around Coopers Road in Woodland Township, the fire service said, adding that officials prevented damage to the structures on the campground of the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. Several local forest road and trail closures were reported, as well as reduced visibility in the area from the smoke.

The fire, which spanned over 240 acres, reached 100 percent containment as of 10 a.m. Tuesday. No injuries were reported.

The blaze was reported amid a long weekend packed with several rounds of storms from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon, though Sunday and Monday’s forecast was clear, according to the National Weather Service, as Patch previously reported. A small tornado also touched ground in Burlington County on Friday during a fierce thunderstorm, the weather service said. Read more: Tornado Hit NJ During Friday Thunderstorms, Weather Service Says

WILDFIRE UPDATE: Acorn Hill Wildfire - Brendan T. Byrne State Forest - Woodland Twp., Burlington County

At 10:00 am Tuesday, June 20, @njdepforestfire has reached 100 percent containment of a 246-acre wildfire in the area of Coopers Rd. in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. pic.twitter.com/17VT56YWVI

— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) June 20, 2023

The Flatiron wildfire, reported in the area of Elderberry Drive and Jackson Road in Medford, spread to over 200 acres in less than 24 hours before it was contained on the evening of June 3, fire officials said. The fire threatened 40 residential structures and closed Medford-Jackson Road as crews battled the blaze.

Several storms, some fierce, were reported from June 2 to June 3 in the area, according to the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly station.

WILDFIRE UPDATE: Flatiron Wildfire – Medford, Burlington County

At 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 3, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has reached 100 percent containment of a 210-acre wildfire in the area of Elderberry Dr. & Jackson Rd. in Medford, Burlington County. pic.twitter.com/j9xjRBI0fH

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.

Fire officials around the Garden State have warned residents of the increased potential for forest fires in 2023, as the lack of snow in South Jersey this winter has 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.

“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 previously said in a statement. “Preventing wildfires also helps avoid catastrophic releases of carbon that contribute to and exacerbate climate change.”

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