forest fires

"When you have too much debris and competing undergrowth, it can actually make our forests less healthy," a state spokesman said.

Early morning fires in the Pine Barrens of Burlington County demonstrate the increased threat of wildfires today's summer-like weather brings to all of New Jersey.

Both of the brush fires that burned several hundred acres of woods in Ocean County are being investigated as arson.

With a goal of lessening the likelihood of massive forest fires in New Jersey, reintroduced legislation would set standards for state-run controlled burns, and allow private individuals to conduct such burns on their own property.

New Jersey is on the verge of approving more controlled burns of underbrush on forest floors.

The New Jersey Departments of Banking and Insurance (DOBI), Community Affairs (DCA) and Environmental Protection (DEP) are reminding Jersey homeowners who live in or near forests to carefully maintain and review their insurance coverage, to maintain their properties with wildfire protection in mind and take common sense precautions while enjoying the outdoors during wildfire season.

Coming on the heels of numerous brush fires in the past week, it's nearing 90 degrees across New Jersey.  The heat along with the lack of rain and slight breeze has resulted in tinderbox conditions across the state.   The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for North Jersey and there is an enhanced fire danger in effect everywhere else.