What is a wildfire?
Any fire occurring on forested lands with the potential to threaten life and property is termed a wildfire. It is also described as a "forest fire" or, on Long Island, as a "brush fire". It is estimated that over 95% of Wildland Fires are started by human hand. Accidental fires are the result of carelessness with campfires, smoking materials, illegal fireworks and illegal ATVs. Others are unlawfully set fires (i.e., those without a prescribed burn plan and legal purpose), started for a variety of motives. Many are started by juvenile fire setters.
Lightning, while often a source for ignition of wildfires in many western states, is generally accompanied by rain on the east coast and, therefore, is not a common ignition source for wildfires in the eastern Pine Barrens. Wildfires not only damage our woodlands, but are becoming an increasing threat to homeowners who live within or adjacent to forest environments and residents who utilize the state's great outdoors for various forms of recreation.
What is the New Jersey Forest Fire Service?
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is the agency responsible for protecting life and property, as well as the state's natural resources from wildfire. Much has been accomplished in the battle against wildfires. Improved training, equipment and technological advances have reduced the number of acres burned, while increased prevention efforts have reduced wildfire occurrence. However, there is still much to be done in the annual battle against wildfires. In order to do a better job, the Forest Fire Service believes that is is necessary to let the public know the extent of the problem, how it affects them, and what needs to be done. It is important for the public to understand what the Forest Fire Service is responsible for, how it operates and serves them in the prevention and suppression of wildfires.
Goals and Objectives
The objectives of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service are to hold wildfire losses at a level commensurate with values protected and to do the job safely and efficiently. The goal is to limit the number of wildfires to under 2,000 annually and the acreage burned to less than one half of one percent (.5%) of the 3.15 million acres protected, or 15,750 acres. Wildfires damage hundreds, sometimes thousands, of acres in the Pine Barrens each year. These fires jeopardize homes and businesses in the wildland-urban interface. These fires cost thousands of taxpayer dollars to suppress and control and involve hundreds of operating hours on fire apparatus and thousands of volunteer man hours from the volunteer firefighters. There are also many direct and indirect costs to local businesses that excuse volunteers from work to fight these fires. These fires often cause injury to both civilians and firefighters and many cause damage to structures as well.
What is a "prescribed fire?"
A prescribed fire is a controlled application of fire to wildlands in either their natural or modified state, and under specified environmental conditions, which allow the fire to be confined to a predetermined area, and produce the fire behavior and fire characteristics necessary to reduce the risk of wildfire in the future. These fires are done only under very specific "prescriptions," which include written plans that defines the time frames, weather, fire protection, smoke management, number of personnel required and other safety issues under which prescribed fires can be safety conducted. Further, the personnel conducting these prescribed fires undergo extensive training and field experience, and all burns are conducted under permit from the State Department of Forestry Service. Strategically placed prescribed fires can reduce the threat of uncontrollable wildfires, and can increase firefighter safety when a wildfire does cross the "previously burned" area. When a wildfire burns in a recently burned area, the rate of spread is slower, the fire intensity is lessened, access through the vegetation is easier, and there is a greater degree of overall safety for the firefighter. This is because the volume of dead needles, leaves and branches is reduced when an area is regularly burned. This process is called fuel load reduction. There may also be ecological benefits to prescribed fire. It is commonly believed that the Central Pine Barrens is a mosaic of fire maintained natural communities, and supports many species, including scrub oak, that could be favored by periodic fire. Wildlife that feed on resprouting vegetation following a fire, and that prefer open sunny habitat, profit from fires as well. With effective planning, a prescribed fire management program can benefit the Central Pine Barrens fire suppression program as well as meet ecological goals.
Here is a list of suggestions for increasing fire safety around your home:
If you are replacing your roof, choose a Class A (or fire resistant) product. Your roof is the most vulnerable part of your house in a wildfire because of its large size and its susceptibility to flying embers (firebrands). Dead pine needles and leaves are fuel. Keep them off your roof, out of your gutters and away from your home.
Mow grasses and other low vegetation regularly, and keep them well watered.
Firewood should be stored at least 50 feet away from your house, especially during fire season and times of high or extreme fire weather danger.
Make sure your street number is clearly visible and legible from the road.
If you live on a "flag lot", be sure your driveway provides adequate accessibility for emergency vehicles. Contact your local Fire Marshal for specific accessibility requirements.
In existing cleared areas, plant low growing, green, fire resistive vegetation whenever possible.
Enclose the underside of balconies and above ground decks with fire resistive or noncombustible materials.
Remove all dead branches overhanging your roof and all branches within ten feet of chimneys.
Cover chimneys serving fireplaces or wood stoves with noncombustible screening with a mesh size no greater than ¼ inch.
Remove vines from the walls or roof or your home.
Fire History
Fire has been a major factor in New Jersey's environment since prehistoric times. Natural fires and Native American burning played a major role in shaping the land and providing the vast expanse of forest land that greeted early settlers. Pioneers adopted the Indian practice of burning the woods to clear land for agriculture. However, land clearing fire and increased fire frequency brought about other changes, sometimes with devastating results. The first law to regulate land clearing by fire was enacted by the colonial government of New Jersey in 1683. However, widespread interest in forest fire control in the state did not occur until the late 1800's. Until that time, fires were simply allowed to burn. There are a number of early accounts and newspaper stories of fires burning thousands of acres of New Jersey woodlands, causing extensive damage to improved property and untold loss of life. One such account from 1755 reports a fire 30 miles long between Barnegat and Little Egg Harbor. In 1895, John Gifford reported to the state geologist that 49 fires burned 60,000 acres in Burlington, Atlantic and Ocean counties. Other early surveys, including those of 1872 and 1885, indicate that as many as 100,000 to 130,000 acres burned annually in the Pine Barrens region alone.
In 1899, Gifford Pinchot, a hired consultant, submitted a report to the state geologist that emphasized the need for forest fire control and recommended the establishment of a forest fire service. In 1905, the Forest, Park and Reservation Commission was established and the first forest protection laws were enacted. In 1906, a law establishing the Forest Fire Service was enacted. Theophilus Price was appointed as the first State Forest Firewarden and a Township Firewarden system was established with 64 Firewardens appointed within the first year. In 1910, a system of look out towers was created. An agreement with the Postal Service for rural mail carriers to patrol the woods and look for and report fires to the newly appointed wardens was one of the most important features of this early system. In 1924, under the federal Clark-McNary Act, the present system of forest fire protection was organized. Rapid advancements occurred under this system. In 1927, aircraft were first used by Colonel Leonidas Coyle for aerial observation. A series of firebreaks and roads were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in New Jersey state forests and parks from 1933-1942. Improvements in motorized vehicles and communications occurred in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. In 1961, Steerman aircraft were first utilized for aerial bombardment of wildfires. A reorganization and professionalization of the service began in 1978 and was completed in 1980. The system evolved from horse and wagons to a modern fleet of more than 400 vehicles, aircraft and state-of-the-art equipment and technology to battle wildfires.
