New Jersey faces two active wildfires amid severe drought conditions. Officials have implemented statewide fire restrictions in response to the escalating threat.
A large wildfire burns at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, sending smoke into Burlington and Ocean counties. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service confirms that the fire remains confined to the base’s range. Smoke drifting into Ocean County prompts many calls to police in Manchester. The police issue an alert assuring residents that the fire poses no threat to their safety. Firefighters on the base use back-burning techniques to eliminate combustible leaves, dry weeds, and brush ahead of the fire, preventing its spread.
In Rockaway Township, the Microwave Wildfire has burned 77 acres and is now 85% contained. Crews continue battling the blaze. It’s threatening three structures, but no evacuations have occurred. Jacobs Road remains closed to traffic as firefighters persist with their efforts. Resources on the scene include hand crews and engines from the Forest Fire Service, along with local Morris County fire companies providing structure protection. A helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water makes 15 drops on Saturday afternoon to assist in combating the flames. Investigators continue to probe the cause of the Microwave Wildfire.
Recently, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service fully contained a 30-acre wildfire in the Tamarac section of Medford Township. This fire posed no risk to buildings. This incident adds to a season already marked by multiple significant blazes across the state.
The ongoing drought worsens the wildfire threat. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that about 60% of New Jersey faces at least “moderate drought,” while 12% falls under the “severe drought” (D2) category. Therefore, this affects significant portions of Atlantic, Burlington, and Ocean counties. After three months of below-average rainfall, the state issued a drought watch last Thursday, urging residents and businesses to conserve water. The fire danger level in New Jersey remains “very high,” according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
As the situation unfolds, no relief appears in sight. The National Weather Service forecasts no rain in the Rockaway area over the next seven days. The combination of dry landscapes and high temperatures continues to challenge firefighting efforts across the state.