The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has lifted statewide fire restrictions now that it has rained, but officials are still urging people to use caution when dealing with open flames.
“Although restrictions have been lifted, the Forest Fire Service asks that New Jerseyans do not become complacent and continue to be careful when using fire,” officials wrote in a statement.
Fire restrictions had been in place for several weeks due to a lack of rain. New Jersey had gone more than 40 days without measurable rain, causing the ground to be parched and fire risks elevated.
“We still need a lot more rain,” said West Milford Volunteer Fire Co. 4 Chief Robert Poplaski. “The surface could be wet, but underneath is still very dry, and it's very, very hard ground underneath that still needs to get soaked.”
The Department of Environmental Protection’s fire danger report was “low” Thursday across all counties.
There are no more campfire restrictions and agricultural burns are allowed.
But officials urge residents not to become complacent. Any fires need to be closely monitored.
“You don't know what's dry out there, you don't know what's wet out there,” Poplaski said. “Yes, it is raining a lot, but it's still potential - with overhang of trees - it may not get to certain areas. So, you may still have some dry spots, and if a cigarette hits that dry spot, it could spark that up.”
Weather officials said that October was the driest month in New Jersey since records have been kept.
Officials say that since Oct. 1 the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has responded to 630 wildfires which have burned 4,474.75 acres of land.
You can check out the latest status report from the DEP in your county
HERE.