If you’re stepping outside in the Garden State today and catching that unmistakable scent of woodsmoke, you aren't alone. You’re likely wondering exactly where is the fire in New Jersey right now. Given the state's recent history with massive blazes like the Jones Road fire or the historic 2024 drought-driven infernos, it is totally normal to feel a bit jumpy when the air turns hazy.
New Jersey is currently navigating a tricky winter season. While we’ve had some snow and rain in early January 2026, the underlying drought conditions from 2025 haven't just vanished. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) is constantly on the move, but "fire" doesn't always mean an emergency. Sometimes, it’s actually a planned part of keeping us safe.
The Current Fire Situation in NJ: Wildfire vs. Prescribed Burns
Honestly, the most common reason you’ll see smoke in Jersey during January and February isn't a runaway wildfire. It is the prescribed burning season. The NJFFS uses these "cool" months to intentionally burn off dead leaves, needles, and brush. This basically starves future wildfires of the fuel they need to get out of control.
If you see smoke near the Pine Barrens or in major state parks today, it’s probably a controlled operation. However, "probably" isn't a great answer when you're worried about your home. As of January 18, 2026, the NJ Forest Fire Service has been active with several prescribed burns across Central and South Jersey to capitalize on recent damp conditions before the spring wind season kicks in.
How can you tell the difference?
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- Color of smoke: Thick, black smoke usually indicates a structure or vehicle fire. White or light grey smoke often comes from brush or leaf litter.
- Location: If it's deep in the Pinelands and you see state vehicles nearby, it’s likely a managed burn.
- Emergency Alerts: If there is a major wildfire, you will see closures on the Garden State Parkway or local routes like Route 72 or Route 539.
Recent Incidents and Active Monitoring
We can't forget how close things got last year. In 2025, the Jones Road Fire in Ocean County scorched over 15,000 acres. It was a massive wake-up call. Right now, the NJ Forest Fire Service is keeping a very close eye on Cumberland, Ocean, and Burlington counties. These areas have the highest "fuel load"—basically a lot of dry pine and oak that is ready to go up if a spark hits it.
The state’s GIS Wildfire Monitoring Dashboard is the gold standard for real-time info. If a new fire starts, it pops up there almost instantly. Currently, the "National Preparedness Level" is at a 1, which is the lowest level. That means there is plenty of equipment and staff available if something does break out.
But things change fast. A "No Burn Day" can be declared in an hour if the wind picks up or the humidity drops. Even in the middle of winter, New Jersey can have "Red Flag" conditions. It sounds crazy, but dry winter air is actually perfect for spreading fire across a forest floor covered in dead leaves.
Why the Pine Barrens Are Always at Risk
If you live near the Pinelands, you already know the drill. The pitch pine trees there are basically designed to burn. Their cones actually need the heat of a fire to open and release seeds. It’s a weird, beautiful, and slightly terrifying cycle of nature.
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Because the soil in South Jersey is so sandy, it drains water incredibly fast. Even after a decent rainstorm, the top layer of pine needles can be bone-dry within 24 hours. That is why most of the "where is the fire in New Jersey" searches originate from places like Barnegat, Manchester, and Little Egg Harbor.
Tracking Smoke and Air Quality Today
Sometimes the fire isn't even in Jersey. We’ve all seen those days where the sky turns orange because of smoke drifting down from Canada or over from Pennsylvania. If you smell smoke but don't see any local news reports about a NJ fire, check the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
It uses satellite data to track smoke plumes. It’s pretty wild to see how a fire in another state can settle into the valleys of North Jersey or hang over the Shore. If the air quality index (AQI) is hitting the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range, it’s a good idea to keep the windows shut, even if the nearest fire is fifty miles away.
What to Do If You See a Fire
Don't assume someone else called it in. If you see smoke in a wooded area and there are no official "Prescribed Burn" signs posted nearby, call 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337) or just dial 9-1-1. The NJ Forest Fire Service prefers a false alarm over a ten-minute head start for a wildfire.
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Also, keep the drones on the ground. It is a huge issue lately—people trying to get "cool" footage of fires. If you fly a drone near a wildfire, the NJFFS has to ground their planes and helicopters. If you fly, they can't. It is that simple, and it puts lives at risk.
Stay Safe and Stay Informed
New Jersey's landscape is beautiful but temperamental. Staying ahead of the fire season means knowing exactly where to look for data.
- Check the NJ Forest Fire Service Facebook or X (Twitter) feed: They are incredibly fast with updates on containment percentages and road closures.
- Monitor the NJDEP "Prescribed Burn" Dashboard: This will tell you if that smoke you see is a planned operation or a new emergency.
- Sign up for NJ Alerts: Your local county OEM (Office of Emergency Management) can send texts directly to your phone if evacuations are needed.
- Clear your gutters: Embers can travel miles. Keeping your roof and gutters clear of dry leaves is the easiest way to protect your house from a distant forest fire.
The best way to handle a fire is to be prepared before the smoke even appears. Keep an eye on the wind, respect the burn bans, and always have a "go-bag" ready if you live in the wildland-urban interface.