Most Important Fire Ban Guidelines For New Jersey Wildfire Season

Whatever you do, DO NOT light a fire outside in New Jersey right now. It’s more important than ever that you follow fire ban guidelines, especially since the weather is really dry.

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When it hasn’t rained for a while, combined with high winds and low humidity, the risk of forest fires goes way up. Think of it like this: dry leaves, branches, and grass are like kindling waiting for a spark. If a fire starts, it can spread quickly, putting not just the environment at risk but also homes and lives.

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The Impact of Wildfires in New Jersey

Wildfires can have devastating effects. They can destroy homes, wildlife habitats, and entire forests. The smoke from these fires can also impact air quality, which affects everyone’s health. Furthermore, firefighting efforts can be costly and put firefighters in danger.

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NJ Rules About Fires

During these high fire danger times, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issues bans on open flames, which include the fire accessories you likely have sitting in your backyard right now. Believe me, I understand how frustrating it is when all you want to do is enjoy a fall night out back by the fire. Ignoring these rules can lead to serious consequences, though. During periods of high fire danger, the New Jersey DEP takes proactive measures by prohibiting open flames, which includes:

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Fire pits: Those cozy gatherings can pose a significant risk when conditions are right for fires to spread.

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Bonfires: These larger fires can get out of control quickly, especially in dry conditions.
These rules aren’t just suggestions—they’re essential for public safety and environmental protection.

If you choose to light a fire when a ban is in place and get caught, you could face a hefty fine of up to $5,000!

So, when you see that fire danger is high, think twice before lighting up that backyard fire. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about keeping our communities safe and protecting our beautiful forests. Stay safe out there!

7 Unsuspecting Items That May Spark Wildfires

With extremely dry conditions across the state, the Michigan DNR is reminding residents of the following everyday items that may accidentally spark a fire.

Gallery Credit: Lauren Gordon

10 Tips To Prevent Wildfires

Smokey The Bear said it best, "only you can prevent wildfires." Well, it's a lot easier said than done, Smokey. Great name for a bear trying to warn us about fire hazards, by the way.

In order to prevent wildfires, you have to first know how they can be prevented. Here are 10 tips provided by the Department Of Interior that will help you in your every day life, so you can enjoy being outside, camping, and having bonfires without it turning into a problem.

Here are their 10 tips, along with some simplified explanations from me.

Gallery Credit: Cort Freeman