Weather forecasters said a combination of low humidity and windy conditions could make parts of New Jersey particularly vulnerable to wildfires on Wednesday.
Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Ocean counties will be placed under a “red flag alert” from 9am to 8pm. National Weather Service speak.
The National Weather Service said the combination of strong winds and dry fuels combined with low humidity would create favorable conditions for fires to break out and that “any fire that develops could quickly outgrow”. out of control and becomes uncontrollable”.
Forecasters say winds of 10 to 15 mph could gust up to 20 to 25 mph and relative humidity will be as low as 20%. The highest temperatures in the afternoon will be around the mid-60s to around 70s under mostly sunny skies.
The weather service said the rest of New Jersey was not under red flag warnings, but conditions remained favorable for the fires to spread quickly.
“Use extreme caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes and matches,” the weather agency said. “Be sure to properly remove all smoking materials. Any hay, dry leaves or other debris that catches fire will have the potential to spread quickly.”
Phase 3 fire restrictions are in effect for Atlantic counties, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Middlesex (south of the Raritan River), Monmouth, Ocean and Salem.
All fires in wooded areas are prohibited unless ignited in an overhead stove using only propane, natural gas, gas or electricity. Do not burn charcoal.
The rest of the state is implementing phase 2 fire restrictions, meaning all fires in wooded areas are prohibited unless there is a built-in fireplace, fireplace. overhead charcoal grills or stoves that use electricity or liquid or gaseous fuels.
Thursday and Friday are also predicted to be dry with the possibility of further legal rain overnight through Saturday.
Last month, there were massive bushfires in Manchester and West Milford.
According to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, peak New Jersey wildfire season runs through May.
Jeff Goldman can be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
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