Crime & Safety

Fire Danger Remains 'Extreme' in Central Jersey

Due to the increased risk of wildfires, a Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning for Tuesday for all of New Jersey by the National Weather Service.

Due to the increased risk of wildfires, a Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning for Mercer and Middlesex counties and the rest of New Jersey by the National Weather Service.

The Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8 p.m. today (April 17).

“Fine fuels remain dry and it appears very likely that relative humidity values will fall into the 20s from late this morning into the early evening hours. A sustained wind from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph is expected. Gusts to 20 mph should be common,” according to the weather service.

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“A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are expected due to the combination of gusty winds, low relative humidity values and dry fine fuels.”

Due to the ongoing lack of rain and other factors, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has classified the current fire danger for the central part of the state as “Extreme” and has imposed Stage 3 restrictions for campfires.

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Under the fire danger rating system used by the state, the “Extreme” level is the most serious and is described as follows: “Fires start readily from sparks or cigarette butts, spread and crown rapidly. Spot fires common. All burn fiercely and may blow up unless controlled promptly.”

Stage 3 campfire restrictions, meanwhile, are as follows: “All fires in wooded areas will be prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas, or electricity. No charcoal fires are allowed.”

 

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