The ongoing drought comes with the risk of wildfires across the state.

Outside the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest offices in Vincentown, a sign reads “Fire Danger Very High” today.

Wildfires have already been reported during September and October in the Pinelands. Wardens with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service tell News 12 that rainfall deficits since April are running nearly a foot below normal in spots and ongoing dry weather can have a lasting effect through the winter and into next spring.

“This particular period of dry weather has really put us in a much higher risk for the residents, for the forest. If we don't have any significant rain soon, we're going to be going into the winter months and then back into our spring fire season next year already behind,” said Shawn Judy, a supervising forest fire warden.

Stage two fire restrictions remain in place, which means all fires in wooded areas are prohibited unless you're using an elevated fireplace, elevated grill or an elevated stove powered by electric or gas.