New Jersey's greatest danger of wildfires
occurs during the spring months of March, April, and
May, and the autumn months of October and November.
Because trees are bare during these months, sunlight
is allowed to reach the ground and dry the leaf litter
on the forest floor. Winds during the spring and fall
can be strong and dry, thus creating a deep, fluffy
layer of hazardous forest fuels. Lastly, an ignition
source can spark these fuels, creating a devastating
wildfire.
Regardless of the season, conditions
often allow wildfires to start. Wildfires may occur
during any month and at any time of day, damaging valuable
forests and natural resources, and threatening improved
property and human lives.
Wildfires can be prevented! 99% of
all wildfires in New Jersey can be prevented by being
careful with the use of fire. The following tips can
help you enjoy fire safely in the outdoors. For more
information about fire safety in New Jersey's Outdoors,
contact your local Forest Firewarden.
Lanterns,
Stoves, and Heaters
Cool all lanterns, stoves, and heaters before refueling
them. They should be refueled on the ground in a cleared
area; if any fuel spills, move the appliance to a new
area before lighting it. Store flammable liquid fuel
containers in a safe place. Never light lanterns and
stoves inside a tent, trailer, or camper. If you use
a lantern or stove inside a tent or trailer, be sure
to have adequate ventilation. Always read and follow
instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Spark
Arresters
All types of equipment and vehicles are required to
have spark arresters. Chain saws, portable generators,
cross-country vehicles, and trail bikes, for example,
require spark arresters if used in or near grass, brush,
or wooded areas. Check with your local dealer to ensure
that the spark arrester is functioning properly.
Smoking
When smoking outdoors, safe practices require proper
disposal of smoking materials and matches. Grind out
your cigarette, cigar, or pipe tobacco in mineral soil
and ensure that match heads are cold before disposing.
Be careful when smoking while riding a horse or trail
bike.
Charcoal
Briquets
After using burning charcoal briquets, "dunk 'em!"
Don't sprinkle. Soak the coals with lots of water; stir
them and soak again. Be sure they are out -- Cold!
Carefully feel the coals with your bare hands to be
sure.
Campfires
All campfires require a permit. Check with your local
Forest Firewarden or local fire official regarding specific
rules and regulations. Also, check the weather conditions;
don't burn on dry, windy days! Visit our
fire restrictions page for the latest news on campfire
restrictions.
Build campfires away from trees, overhanging
branches, stumps, logs, dense dry grass, and forest
litter. Pile any extra fire wood away from the fire.
Keep plenty of water handy and have a shovel for throwing
dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
Start with dry twigs and small sticks.
Add larger sticks as the fire builds up. Put the largest
pieces of wood on last, pointing them toward the center
of the fire, and gradually push them into the flames.
Keep the campfire small. A good bed
of coals or a small fire surrounded by rocks gives plenty
of heat. Scrape away litter, duff, and any organic material
for a radius of 10-feet in all directions. This will
keep a small campfire from spreading. Never
leave a campfire unattended!! Even a small breeze
could quickly cause the fire to spread.
Drown the fire with water. Make sure
all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks, there
may be burning embers underneath.
Stir the remains, add
more water, and stir again. Be sure all burned material
has been extinguished and cooled. If you do not have
water, use dirt. Mix enough soil or sand with the embers.
Continue adding and stirring until all material is cooled.
Feel all materials with your bare hand. Make sure that
no roots are burning. Do not bury your coals - they
can smolder and result in a fire.
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