NW Bergen News

Today, March 20, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service will be conducting prescribed burning operations in the following areas. 

 Burlington County – Bass River. Twp. – Private Property

 Burlington County – Washington Twp. – Wharton State Forest 

 Burlington County – Woodland Twp. – Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area

 Burlington County – Woodland Twp. – Private Property 

 Ocean County – Lacey Twp. – Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area

 Ocean County - Little Egg Harbor Twp. – Bass River State Forest

 Ocean County – Manchester Twp. – Private Property 

This schedule is weather dependent and subject to change. If in doubt about the source of smoke or fire, call 9-1-1 or 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337). 

 Active / upcoming prescribed burn map: https://www.njparksandforests.org/fire/infotools/rxb.html

ABOUT PRESCRIBED BURNING: 

There are multiple benefits to prescribed burning, which is a safe, effective and efficient means of managing the buildup of forest fuels that may contribute to the start and spread of a wildfire. By actively eliminating sources of fuel that exacerbate forest fire risks through a controlled and prescribed burning program, the Forest Fire Service reduces risk to New Jersey residents, visitors and the environment. 

Prescribed burns improve habitat for plants and animals, reduce the presence of damaging insects and ticks, and recycle nutrients into the soil. In addition, prescribed burning is an important part of the state’s carbon defense strategy. Allowing experts to choose the intensity, timing and interval of fire across the landscape may help prevent a larger uncontrolled wildfire, which would contribute to significant carbon loss. Typically, most prescribed burns take place between February and early April.

 Learn more about prescribed burning in New Jersey: https://nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2023/23_0012.htm  

  Original source can be found here.