Wildfires continue to affect New Jersey as dry weather conditions persist, with at least three new fires reported Sunday. The Forest Fire Service reports that the Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County has burned nearly 24 square miles and is 65% contained.
Lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly office, Ray Martins, noted the area’s susceptibility to wildfires due to its sandy soils. “The Pine Barrens are extremely non-flashy when it comes to flooding due to the extremely porous sandy soils. It’s actually part of why they burn so easily,” Martins said.
Representative Chris Smith met with firefighters and the owner of Liberty Door and Awning, the only business directly impacted by the wildfire. He stated that the application for future funding from FEMA had been approved. Smith said, “The Trump Administration acted quickly so the community can recover, for which I am grateful.”
In Atco, a mulch pile fire developed at Wade Salvage on Jackson Road. Firefighters successfully kept it from spreading to nearby forests. Residents of Waterford’s Sapling Run were advised to shelter in place due to smoke concerns.
According to NJ 101.5 Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow, there will be more dry hours this week, raising fire danger. “The fire danger has been tamped down for now, as most underbrush is now damp. But that will not last long, if we don’t see more substantial rain soon,” Zarrow commented.
