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Jackson Bureau Of Fire Safety Issues Outdoor Safety Alerts
JACKSON - New Jersey's greatest danger of wildfires occurs during the spring months of March, April and May and the autumn months of October and November. Because trees are bare during these months, sunlight is allowed to reach the ground and dry the leaf litter on the forest floor. Winds during the spring and fall can be strong and dry, thus creating a deep, fluffy layer of hazardous forest fuels. Lastly, an ignition source can spark these fuels, creating a devastating wildfire.
Regardless of the season, conditions often allow wildfires to start. Wildfires may occur during any month and at any time of day, damaging valuable forests and natural resources and threatening improved property and human lives. Wildfirescan be prevented. Ninety-nine percent of all wildfiresin New Jersey can be prevented by being careful with the use of fire.
Several times during late winter and early spring, the skies over New Jersey fill with smoke. While this often causes concern for our residents, it is common for them to be informed that the NJ State Forest Fire Service is merely conducting a prescribed burn. What is a prescribed burn? Technically, a prescribed burn is the skillful application of fireunder exacting conditions of weather and fuel, in a predetermined area, for a specific purpose, to achieve specific results. What this means is that since 1928, the fireservice has used fireas a tool to protect the lives and property of the residents living near the forestlands of New Jersey.
They do this by setting fires under exacting conditions to reduce the underbrush (the fuel for a fire) in areas that are prone to fireor that may be located in a position where they feel they can defend against an oncoming wildfire.The use of firein this way requires a level of skill and competence that they en- courage through extensive, ongoing training. The primary purpose of prescribed burning in New Jersey is to reduce the hazardous accumulations of forest fuels. This aids in the prevention of wildfires,reduces the intensity of the fires and also provides a foundation for safer and more effective firesuppression and protection operations.
The following tips can help you enjoy firesafely in the outdoors. For more information about firesafety in New Jersey's outdoors, contact Fire OfficialFrank McDonnell of the Jackson Bureau of Fire Safety Districts 1 and 3 or your local Fire Warden, Division B, Lebanon State Forest, PO Box 239, New Lisbon, NJ 08064, 609-726-9010.
Campfires- All campfiresrequire a permit. Check with your local firewarden or fireofficial regarding specific rules and regulations.
Lanterns, Stoves and Heaters - Cool all lanterns, stoves and heaters before refueling them. They should be refueled on the ground in a cleared area. If any fuel spills, move the appliance to a new area before lighting it. Store all flammable liquid fuel containers in a safe place. Never light lanterns and stoves inside a tent, trailer or camper. If you use a lantern or stove inside a tent or trailer, be sure to have adequate ventilation. Always read and follow instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Smoking - When smoking outdoors, safe practices require proper disposal of smoking materials and matches. Grind out your cigarette, cigar or pipe tobacco in mineral soil, and ensure that match heads are cold before disposing. Be careful when smoking while riding a horse or trail bike.
Charcoal Briquettes - After using burning charcoal briquettes, dunk them. Soak the coals with lots of water, stir them and soak again. Carefully feel the coals with your bare hands to be sure they are completely cool and out.
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