Strong, gusty winds combined with dry conditions are raising new alarms over the potential spread of wildfires in New Jersey as state officials and emergency responders work to contain multiple blazes already burning thousands of acres.
A south-southwest breeze is expected to pick up throughout Friday, threatening to accelerate the fires’ advance, according to AccuWeather.
Newsweek reached out to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, by phone for comment.
Why It Matters
The state has been grappling with a dangerous wildfire season made worse by drought conditions, dry vegetation and periods of high wind. Firefighters have achieved partial containment on several active fires, but the NWS warned Friday that any fires that develop may “spread rapidly” as low humidity, warmer temperatures and gusty winds create volatile conditions.
What to Know
Firefighters are continuing to battle significant fires across New Jersey, including the Jones Road wildfire, which has consumed 15,300 acres. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that as of Friday morning, the Jones Road fire was 60 percent contained. Authorities remain concerned that stronger winds forecast for Friday afternoon and evening could exacerbate the fire spread.
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Wind gusts up to 20 mph, coupled with relative humidity levels between 25 and 35 percent, have created the perfect storm for rapid wildfire spread, NWS meteorologists warned. Fire officials are urging residents to avoid any activities that could spark new fires, such as outdoor grilling or discarding cigarettes improperly.
Evacuations have already impacted thousands of residents across Lacey and Ocean townships, but the evacuation orders have since been lifted.
One commercial building has been destroyed by the flames and four structures are threatened, as of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service’s latest update. Multiple outbuildings and vehicles have been destroyed.
Dry conditions are not limited to the current fires; officials warn that additional wildfires could ignite elsewhere in the state. Forecasters said the combination of drought stress and windy weather significantly heightens the risk of new outbreaks in parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, PennLive reported.
Earlier this week, police arrested Joseph Kling in connection with the Jones Road fire. The 19-year-old Kling was charged with aggravated arson and arson after leaving a bonfire unattended, officials said.
What People Are Saying
NWS Mount Holly in a special weather statement on Friday: “There is an increased risk for rapid fire spread this afternoon across portions of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Minimum relative humidity values will be around 25 to 35 percent combined with southerly winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts near 20 mph. High temperatures will be in the mid 70s to near 80 degrees. These conditions, along with the continued drying of fine fuels, could support the rapid spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control.”
The statement added: “Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including smoking materials such as cigarette butts.”
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Brett Anderson said in a report: “While it will be much cooler on Sunday, when compared to Friday, the gusty winds and very dry air will quickly dry out the brush and fallen leaves once again. That could boost the wildfire risk, depending how much rain fell on local areas from the storm earlier in the weekend.”
What Happens Next
Some rain is expected this weekend. However, the precipitation might be too limited to significantly ease drought conditions across southern New Jersey, AccuWeather reported.
Conditions are expected to remain warm and breezy through Saturday, maintaining an elevated fire risk until the rain arrives. Fire crews are continuing to focus on containment operations in affected areas.
