You’d think January would be safe. Most of us are worried about black ice or whether the heater is going to survive another week of North Jersey wind, but the woods are telling a different story. If you look at the nj wildfires today map, you’ll see the state is currently caught in a weird, dry limbo. We aren't seeing massive infernos swallowing highways right this second, but the ground is parched.
New Jersey is sitting under a Statewide Drought Warning. That isn't just a fancy way of saying "don't water your lawn." It means our reservoirs are struggling and the "duff" layer—the thick carpet of pine needles and leaves in the Pine Barrens—is basically a tinderbox waiting for a stray spark.
Today, January 16, 2026, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) is reporting low active fire acreage, but the risk levels are creeping up. It’s been a bizarrely dry winter. Honestly, the 3.13 inches of precipitation we got in December was more than an inch below what we usually see. It doesn't sound like much until you realize ten of the last twelve months have been drier than normal.
Understanding the NJ Wildfires Today Map and Risk Levels
When you pull up the official dashboards from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the colors. Most of the state is currently hovering in the Low to Moderate range for fire danger, but that’s deceptive. In the winter, "Low" doesn't mean "No."
It’s about the fuels.
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In South Jersey, specifically the Pinelands, the soil is sandy and drains fast. When we don't get consistent snow cover or heavy rain, the dead grass and fallen leaves dry out in a matter of hours once the sun hits them. Even if it's 40 degrees out, a gusty wind can turn a small brush fire into a fast-moving problem before the local volunteer crews can even get their boots on.
Currently, the NJFFS is focusing heavily on prescribed burns. If you see a plume of smoke on the horizon today in places like Wharton State Forest or near the Joint Base, don't panic immediately. Check the map. If the icon is a controlled burn symbol, it’s intentional. They’re trying to eat up the fuel now so we don't have a repeat of the massive 15,000-acre fires we've seen in past spring seasons.
Why the Pinelands Are Different
People often ask why New Jersey has such a specific wildfire problem compared to, say, New York or Pennsylvania. It’s the Pitch Pines. These trees are basically designed to burn. They have high resin content, and their cones actually need the heat of a fire to release seeds.
It’s a cycle.
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But when humans live right next to those pines, the cycle becomes a threat. We have what experts call the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). Basically, it means your backyard ends where the forest begins. In Ocean and Burlington counties, this is where the nj wildfires today map usually starts lighting up first.
Current Drought Status and Its Impact
- Drought Warning: We are currently one step below a "Drought Emergency."
- Precipitation Deficit: The state is roughly 1.5 inches behind on rain for the last 30 days.
- Groundwater: Levels are hitting historic lows in the southern coastal division.
The NJDEP updated the water supply indicators just a few days ago, and the news wasn't great. While we've had some scattered showers, they haven't been "soakers." We need the kind of rain that lasts for two days and turns the backyard into a swamp. Anything less just sits on the surface and evaporates.
Real Incidents and What to Watch For
While there are no major "named" fires burning uncontained this morning, the "initial attack" crews have been busy. Over the last week, small brush fires have popped up in Cumberland and Atlantic counties. Most of these are started by human activity—careless smoking, sparks from machinery, or people trying to burn backyard debris when they shouldn't.
One thing most people get wrong is thinking that fire season starts in April. In reality, NJ has a "peak" season that starts in mid-January. Why? Because the leaves are off the trees. Without a canopy, the sun hits the forest floor directly, drying out everything that fell during autumn.
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If you are looking at the map today, pay attention to the Section B10 (Central NJ) and South Jersey consoles. These areas are the most vulnerable right now due to the lack of snow cover.
How to Stay Safe and Use the Data
The best way to track this is through the NJ Forest Fire Service's Section Dashboards. They provide real-time updates on containment percentages and road closures. If a fire starts near a major artery like the Garden State Parkway or Route 72, the smoke can drop visibility to zero in minutes.
Honestly, just stay vigilant. If you're out hiking in the Pine Barrens this weekend, remember that the ground is drier than it looks.
Actionable Next Steps for New Jersey Residents:
- Check the Dashboard Daily: Bookmark the NJ Forest Fire Service Fire Danger Dashboard to see the daily color-coded risk for your specific county.
- Respect the Burn Bans: Under a Drought Warning, local ordinances often restrict outdoor fires. Don't be that person who starts a 100-acre fire because of a backyard fire pit.
- Clear Your Defensible Space: If you live near the woods, spend an hour today clearing dead leaves and pine needles away from your foundation and gutters. It’s the single best thing you can do to protect your home.
- Download Local Alerts: Sign up for Nixle or your county's emergency alert system. When a fire breaks out, they’ll push the evacuation or "shelter in place" info directly to your phone.
The map might look quiet today, but in New Jersey, that can change with a single gust of wind. Stay smart and keep an eye on those humidity levels.