New Jersey Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for New Jersey - July 12, 2026

Overview

New Jersey is currently experiencing a period of low to moderate fire risk due to recent weather patterns bringing high humidity and scattered precipitation. However, the state remains vigilant following a historic 2025 fire season and an active start to 2026, which has seen over 589 wildfires burning more than 648 acres year-to-date. The National Preparedness Level remains elevated nationally, but local resources in New Jersey are operating under stable conditions.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the past 72 hours, wildland fire activity in New Jersey has been minimal. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service continues to actively monitor the wildland-urban interface from its network of fire towers. There are currently no significant active wildfires threatening communities, requiring major suppression efforts, or prompting evacuations in the state.

Key Fires: There are currently no major active wildfires in New Jersey. When fires do occur in the state, they are typically fed by highly flammable coastal forest fuels—most notably pitch pine, scrub oak, and accumulated dry leaf litter found throughout the Pine Barrens region. Fortunately, these fuels have absorbed recent atmospheric moisture, drastically reducing their ignition potential at this time.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) recently released its first annual Wildfire Report, noting that lingering drought impacts had previously limited the agency's ability to conduct prescribed fire operations. So far in 2026, the state has treated over 8,815 acres with prescribed fire to mitigate future risks. Land management agencies continue to focus on maintaining established fuel breaks and educating the public through the NJ Wildfire SMART (Safety, Mitigation, Awareness, Response, Training) initiative.

Air Quality: Air quality across New Jersey is currently good. There are no significant smoke impacts from local or regional wildfires affecting the state, and recent weather fronts have helped clear any stagnant air.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Recent weather over the last 72 hours has brought partly sunny skies, high humidity (up to 86%), and scattered showers to the region, significantly aiding in keeping fire danger low.
Forecasted Weather: There are currently no Red Flag Warnings or fire weather watches in effect for New Jersey. The forecast for the next 72 hours indicates a continued pattern of partly sunny to mostly sunny skies with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s. Periodic chances of thunderstorms and light rain are expected. Winds are expected to remain manageable at around 5 to 10 mph, keeping the overall fire danger low heading into the upcoming week.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: With recent reports indicating that 99.6% of New Jersey's wildfires are caused by human activity—particularly illegal campfires and equipment use—residents are urged to practice extreme fire safety. While the immediate threat is low, residents should use this time to clear dead brush from properties and review their community wildfire protection plans to reduce future risks.
Resource Allocation: In response to escalating wildfire threats and extended fire seasons, the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget allocated an additional $1 million to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, allowing for the addition of full-time positions and enhanced readiness. Crews across the state remain ready to protect lives and property as conditions evolve.

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: nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/fire/
NJ Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal: newjerseywildfirerisk.com

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.