As we head into the fall holiday season, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued a statewide fire ban due to extreme fire risk. To ensure a safe and festive season for all, it is essential that residents adhere to this ban and take precautions to prevent wildfires.
Fire Ban Restrictions:
- No outdoor fires are permitted unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, or electricity. This includes bonfires and residential fire pits.
- Wood or charcoal fires are strictly prohibited, and the use of kerosene or gas torches is also banned.
- No fireworks are allowed during this period, as they present a significant fire hazard.
- The fire ban applies to both public lands and private properties in all municipalities throughout the state.
We urge all residents to share this important information with friends, family, and neighbors to help keep our communities safe.
Preventing Wildfires: Safety Tips:
Most wildfires can be prevented by following some simple safety practices:
- Properly dispose of smoking materials—do not discard cigarettes, matches, or smoking materials on the ground.
- Use indoor wood stoves and fireplaces carefully—embers can escape and cause fires. Be sure to fully douse ashes with water before disposal.
- Park vehicles in safe areas—hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation if parked on or over it.
- Be cautious with yard tools—lawnmowers and chainsaws can spark fires when cutting dry grass or leaves.
- Keep matches and lighters away from children to prevent accidental fires.
For Fire Permit Applicants:
If you live in an area served by the NJ Forest Fire Service or are located in a secondary response area, please exercise extreme caution if considering fire-related permits. Due to heightened fire danger, fire officials may deny permit requests to prevent the risk of fire spread. If permits are approved, enhanced fire suppression measures are strongly recommended.
Additional Resources:
To learn more about how you can protect your home and community from wildfires, please visit njwildfire.org.
Together, we can enjoy a safe and festive fall season while safeguarding our homes and natural resources. Let’s stay vigilant and work together to keep our borough safe from the threat of wildfire.