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The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has imposed a statewide ban on charcoal barbecuing and campfires in all wooded areas due to the ongoing battle against two wildfires. The ban comes as a response to the warm weather, dry conditions, and expected winds, which could potentially exacerbate the fires.
One of the wildfires is located at McGuire Air Force Base in South Jersey, where fire crews are using the backburning technique to bring it under control. The other fire, known as the "Microwave Wildfire," is in Rockaway Township, Morris County. As of Monday, the fire has been 85% contained after affecting 77 acres over three days, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The fire, which started in the area of Jacobs Road, still threatens three structures, down from 13 on Sunday.
The cause of both fires remains under investigation. The lack of rainfall has made New Jersey susceptible to forest fires, with the state currently at a "very high" fire danger level. This past September was the third driest on record for New Jersey, and October is on track to be the driest ever.
The state issued a drought watch after three months of below-average rainfall, urging residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water. Unfortunately, there is no rain forecasted in the Rockaway area over the next seven days, according to the National Weather Service.