Huge Wildfire Hits New Jersey Highways
New Jersey does not regularly experience dangerous wildfires. Yesterday, it was hit by a huge one, which has continued. It is large enough to match some of those that hit California earlier this year.
According to Fox Weather, “New Jersey wildfire prompts state of emergency as thousands allowed to return home after fleeing flames.” However, the fire is only 10% contained. The fire has burned thousands of acres near Barnegat, New Jersey.
New Jersey Acting Gov. Tahesha announced “(Tuesday), our State Forest Fire Service informed us of a wildfire in Ocean Township, Ocean County. Due to its accelerated growth, with an estimated burn of 8,500 acres, threatening more than 1,000 structures, requiring the evacuation of residents in the area, and the loss of power to over 25,000 residents, I am declaring a State of Emergency for Ocean County,”
High Drought Levels
While the area’s temperature has been around 70 degrees F, the Drought Monitor shows that much of New Jersey suffers from “severe drought.” This is defined as “crop or pasture loss likely, fire risk very high, water shortages common, water restrictions imposed.”
Accuweather expects high drought risk in the next several weeks, even though this usually happens in the summer. “Wildfire season in the U.S. typically peaks later in summer and through autumn, but springtime fires can pose a unique danger, especially in areas facing drought coming out of winter.”
The Accuweather drought risk map includes includes almost all of New Jersey.
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