New Jersey Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for New Jersey - June 21, 2026

Overview

New Jersey is currently experiencing a relatively quiet period for wildfire activity, following a historically busy 2025 fire year. The 2026 season has seen normal to moderate activity thus far. Recent precipitation and moderate humidity have helped mitigate immediate widespread threats, keeping the current fire danger at manageable levels across the state. However, the state's Pinelands remain vulnerable due to porous sandy soils that do not retain moisture and "one-hour fuels" like highly flammable dry leaf litter and pitch pine.
The current National Preparedness Level is 3, indicating that significant wildland fire activity is occurring in multiple geographic areas across the United States, though local resources in New Jersey currently remain sufficient.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, there has been no significant active wildland fire activity reported in New Jersey. According to satellite monitoring and the state's Forest Fire Service, fire alert levels in the state remain normal for this time of year. Firefighters and local crews continue to monitor the wildland-urban interface and respond to routine, smaller incidents as needed.

Key Fires: There are currently no large-scale active wildfires burning in New Jersey. Over the last 72 hours, localized initial attack responses have successfully contained any minor starts. When fires do ignite in the state, they are typically fueled by dry brush, mixed oak, pitch pine, and highly flammable leaf litter and pine needles found in the Pinelands region.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has been actively working to manage fuel loads and reduce wildfire risk across the state. As of June 2026, crews have successfully treated over 8,815 acres with prescribed fire. These operations are essential for clearing hazardous underbrush, recycling nutrients into the soil, and protecting lives and property.
Air Quality: With no major active wildfires or large-scale prescribed burns currently producing heavy smoke in the state, air quality remains generally good across New Jersey.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions across New Jersey are currently partly sunny with temperatures ranging from 62°F to 83°F. Humidity is moderate, hovering around 47%, with a slight 10% chance of rain.
Forecasted Weather: There are currently no Red Flag Warnings or fire weather watches in effect for New Jersey. Rain chances are expected to increase significantly heading into Monday and Tuesday, with up to a 75% chance of precipitation and higher humidity levels (up to 91%). This incoming moisture will further aid in keeping fire danger levels low. Winds are expected to remain manageable, mitigating the risk of rapid fire spread.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: While fire danger is currently low, residents are advised to remain mindful of fire safety, especially in the wildland-urban interface. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to clear dead brush and leaf litter from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are operating under manageable conditions. Agencies continue to train for increased fire risk and maintain readiness for any potential new starts while monitoring previously treated fuel mitigation areas.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
New Jersey Forest Fire Service: www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/fire

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.