New Jersey Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for New Jersey - April 21, 2026

Overview

New Jersey is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to an abnormally dry spring and moderate drought conditions, characterized by limited rainfall, increasing onshore winds, and highly combustible dead leaves and brush blanketing the forest floor. This combination of factors has led to very high to extreme fire danger across the state, particularly in the Pinelands. The current National Preparedness Level for the region is elevated, indicating state and regional resources are heavily committed to initial attack and monitoring operations.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There is currently significant wildland fire activity occurring in New Jersey, requiring coordinated ground and air support to manage incident objectives. The potential for new significant wildfires to start in the next several days is above normal for this time of year due to prime fuel conditions. Firefighters are working to monitor contained fires while also preparing for potential new starts. Stage 2 fire restrictions have been implemented statewide, prohibiting all fires in wooded areas unless they are contained in an elevated prepared fireplace, charcoal grill, or electric/gas stove.

Key Fires:
West Deptford Wildfire (Sunoco Fire): Located in Gloucester County near Red Bank and Hessian avenues, this fire burned 160 acres and is currently 100% contained. The fire was fueled by dry leaves, brush, and dense forest floor vegetation. At its peak, the fast-moving flames threatened approximately 100 structures and prompted voluntary evacuations. Ground and air crews successfully halted its spread, and crews remain on-site to monitor the smoldering fire and reinforce containment lines.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has officially ceased prescribed fire operations in the central and southern divisions as the state transitions fully into peak wildfire response season. Prior to halting, crews completed 8,600 acres of prescribed burns to reduce hazardous fuels. Additionally, due to a freeze warning, the Department of Environmental Protection is allowing farmers to conduct controlled open burning or use smudge pots to protect flowering crops from cold damage through April 22, provided wind speeds are below 5 mph. The state also recently distributed $90,000 in grants to 22 communities in high-risk Wildland Urban Interface areas for wildfire risk reduction projects.

Air Quality: Light smoke from the contained West Deptford Wildfire may still impact the immediate area until significant rain falls. Residents in the vicinity should be aware and use caution.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A Freeze Warning is in effect for most of New Jersey through 9:00 AM EDT Tuesday, with sub-freezing temperatures dropping as low as 26 degrees. Conditions today will be mostly sunny with highs in the low 50s and low humidity (around 34%), with a chance of light rain overnight.
Forecasted Weather: Conditions are expected to remain abnormally dry, with low humidity and breezy conditions keeping the fire risk elevated. While the current cold front brings freezing temperatures, the dry air mass moving in from Canada and lack of significant precipitation mean the area remains very close to critical fire weather criteria. Any accidental fires could spread rapidly due to the dry debris and lack of canopy cover.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires. The Forest Fire Service urges the public to exercise caution, properly dispose of smoking materials, and adhere strictly to the Stage 2 fire restrictions.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging conditions to monitor existing fires and prepare for new starts during this peak spring wildfire season. Agencies are utilizing recent grant funding to conduct fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas where forest land meets improved property.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
New Jersey Forest Fire Service & Prescribed Fire Notifications: wildfire.nj.gov
NJDEP Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal: nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/fire

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.