Understanding burn ban restrictions to avert wildfires

AccuWeather

New Jersey is facing Stage 3 burn bans due to extremely dry conditions. We explain what that means and provide essential tips to help prevent wildfires during this critical time.

Transcript

00:00This extended dry weather is making it easier than ever for fires to ignite and spread here in New Jersey at stage three restrictions.

00:08Even a small spark could have some major consequences.

00:11And now fire officials are urging everyone to take these restrictions seriously.

00:16New Jersey is now under a stage three burn ban, banning all forms of open burning across the state.

00:23The reason these dry conditions are causing a significant rise in fire risk.

00:28Nine out of ten wildfires are human caused here in New Jersey.

00:31And we don't take the restrictions lightly, which goes to show you how dry we really are right now.

00:36Open burning usually requires careful permitting and controlled conditions.

00:41But with the current dry spell, fire officials are emphasizing being in that stage three restriction and are laying out what each stage means.

00:51Stage one campfire restriction.

00:53Basically, it wants us to clear the soil and the brush around the campfires.

01:01Stage two is prohibiting wood fires, but you can still have fires on the ground.

01:06And stage three is absolutely no wood burning, no charcoal and only liquid gas or electric.

01:15And that's only fires contained in elevated stoves.

01:18Again, campfires, picnic barbecues and charcoal fires are banned in parks until further notice.

01:24As most wildfires are caused by human activity, the Forest Fire Service is stressing vigilance.

01:30Be careful with your cigarette butts, equipment and machinery in the woods.

01:35Just be really safe out there in the woods.

01:37Think twice.

01:38With the agency at maximum staffing and contracting extra equipment, they're fully prepared to fight any fires that do ignite.

01:45But Warden Rainer reminds that public cooperation is critical.

01:49If we could get some really good rain, we'll definitely lower the restrictions.

01:53But at this point, it's just so dry that they're relative to the weather that we're in.

02:00For AccuWeather, I'm Ellie Reed.

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