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.
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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.