Honestly, it feels weird to be talking about a nj brush fire today in the middle of January. Usually, this is the time of year we're complaining about slush and ice. But if you’ve been looking at the horizon in South Jersey or seeing the smoke reports, you know things are different this year. New Jersey is currently under a Statewide Drought Warning, and that’s not a term the DEP throws around for fun.
The ground is crunchy. The "winter" we expected has been replaced by a persistent dryness that’s turned the Garden State into a bit of a tinderbox.
What’s Actually Happening with the NJ Brush Fire Today?
Right now, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service is reporting that while there isn't a massive "Mines Spung" level inferno (like that 5,000-acre monster we saw in the Pine Barrens recently), there is significant "initial attack" activity. Small fires are popping up because the leaf litter on the forest floor hasn't had a good soaking in weeks.
Basically, the "Section B10" region—which covers a lot of the Central Jersey woods—is seeing elevated risk levels. We're talking about places like Monroe Township, Old Bridge, and down into Ocean County. The humidity has been bouncing around, but when it drops in the afternoon, any little spark from a discarded cigarette or a backfiring exhaust pipe can start a line of fire through the brush.
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You've probably noticed the air smells a bit like a campfire even if you aren't near a big blaze. That’s the smoke drifting. Even small brush fires in NJ today can put up enough of a plume to be smelled three towns over because the cold air traps the smoke low to the ground. It’s called an inversion, and it’s why your eyes might be stinging even if the fire is miles away.
The Drought Warning is No Joke
Commissioner Shawn LaTourette and the DEP have been pretty vocal: we are in a deficit. Last year was wild—the Jones Road Wildfire in April 2025 burned over 15,000 acres. We haven't really recovered from that cycle.
- The Fuel: The Pine Barrens are unique. Pitch pines are literally designed to burn; they have these resinous needles that act like gasoline.
- The Ground: Usually, winter snowpack keeps things damp. This year? We've had "snow drought."
- The Wind: Winter winds in Jersey are biting and dry. They suck the remaining moisture out of the dead grass and fallen leaves.
If you’re driving down the Parkway or the AC Expressway and see smoke, don't assume someone is just having a legal bonfire. Actually, in many counties, "No Burn" days are being strictly enforced right now because the air mixing is so poor.
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Why Does This Keep Happening?
It’s tempting to say "it's just weather," but there’s a pattern here. We are seeing these weirdly warm, dry stretches in January and February that used to be rare. Experts from the New Jersey Weather and Climate Network have pointed out that while we get big rain events, they’re spaced too far apart. The water runs off the frozen or hard-packed ground instead of soaking in.
Then you have the "human factor." Most NJ brush fires aren't started by lightning. They're started by us. Whether it's an illegal debris burn that gets out of hand or someone playing with fireworks in the woods, it only takes one mistake.
What You Should Actually Do
If you live near the woods, especially in the "Wildland-Urban Interface" (where houses meet the forest), you need to be proactive.
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- Clean your gutters: Seriously. A single ember from a brush fire can travel a mile in the wind. If it lands in a gutter full of dry oak leaves, your roof is in trouble.
- Watch the Drones: The Forest Fire Service has a mantra: “No Drones in Fire Zones.” If you’re trying to get "cool footage" of the smoke, you’re actually grounding the helicopters and planes that drop water. They won't fly if a drone is in the air.
- Report it Right: If you see smoke and aren't sure where it's coming from, call 877-WARN-DEP.
The risk for a nj brush fire today remains "Moderate" to "High" depending on which part of the state you're in. While the northern counties have a bit more moisture, the South Jersey sand is dry as a bone.
We’re all waiting for a solid, three-day soaking rain to reset the clock. Until then, keep your eyes on the treeline. The Forest Fire Service is doing a hell of a job with prescribed burns when the weather allows, but nature is currently holding all the cards.
Actionable Insight: Check the daily fire danger dashboard on the NJDEP website before doing any outdoor work involving sparks or flames. If the flag is red, keep the grill shut and the power tools away from dry grass.