New Jersey heads into the spring wildfire season amid continued dry conditions.
If you are planning to build a new home or construct a commercial or industrial development in a wooded area in New Jersey, take note that on Thursday, February 13, 2024 Governor Murphy and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette announced a series of actions that emphasize the importance of wildfire safety, mitigation, awareness, response, and training – known as NJ Wildfire SMART – to reduce wildfire spread as New Jersey heads into the spring wildfire season amid continued dry conditions statewide. “South Jersey is home to over 1.1 million acres of Pine Barrens, a vital part of our community, and an area that is at an increased risk for forest fires,” said Assemblywoman Andrea Katz.
NJDEP reports, “Since the onset of the abnormally dry period on Sept. 1, 2024, the Forest Fire Service has responded to 884 wildfires, which collectively burned 4,945.25 acres, a substantial increase over the number of wildfires and acreage burned during the same time period for the three preceding years. Nine of these were classified as “major wildfires,” each exceeding 100 acres, and posed a threat to 273 structures combined.”
Existing owners or developers of new projects in wooded areas should consider becoming proactive to prevent the spread of wildfires in New Jersey.
The NJDEP recommends “homeowners should remove pine needles, leaves, and other debris from gutters, and smokers are reminded to properly dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials. After using a fireplace or woodburning stove, fully douse ashes with water since both can emit embers that spark fires. Dispose of fully doused ashes in a metal can or cylinder.”
“Property owners in wooded areas need to be especially aware of their environment and should take steps such as maintaining defensible barriers, or cleared areas, around structures. They should create space of at least 30 feet between homes and flammable vegetation in forested or wooded areas, and 100 feet from homes in the Pinelands region. These buffers should be free from vegetation that will burn easily, such as fallen leaves, pine needles, twigs and branches. Property owners should also make sure firetrucks can access driveways.”
If you have questions or need more information related to New Jersey’s programs for prevention of wildfires, please contact Alan Fox, Esq. at afox@capehart.com.
