New Jersey has been under the second drought watch for many years

There is an increased risk of wildfires in the Garden State

Fall fire season in New Jersey runs from mid-October to mid-February. According to the State Forestry Fire Department, 107 fires occurred last week covering 183 acres. The current fire risk is classified as “very high”.

Wildfire Chief Bill Donnelly said officials are taking extra precautions to control wildfires, including a statewide ban on open burning.

“Our people are on patrol status,” he said. “We also have additional staff on the go. Our fire stations are all staffed and keeping an eye on things. And we ensure a quick response if people discover fires in the tower.”

On Monday, several wildfires burned, including one at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst within the boundaries of the military installation. No detailed information about the size of the fire was released, but residents were warned about smoke.

As of Monday evening, state officials said the Microwave wildfire in Morris County was 85% contained and had burned 77 acres.

When does drought monitoring end in New Jersey?

State geologist Domber said several months of “normal to above-average” rainfall would be needed to end the drought watch.

If conditions continue to remain dry, the next step would be to issue a “drought warning,” which would allow the DEP to more strictly regulate and manage water supplies.

If conditions worsen, state officials would declare a “water emergency,” allowing the governor to issue mandatory water conservation orders.

However, stricter restrictions are not in the near future, Domber said.

“We still have a lot of time before that could happen,” he said. “What we need, as I said, is several months of above-average precipitation to get there.”

Is climate change responsible for the drought?

Domber said there is anecdotal evidence of a link between climate change and droughts, but more research needs to be done. The need for further research was identified in the state’s water supply plan released in September.

New Jersey will work with researchers at Rutgers University to study climate impacts.