Extreme Wildfire Risk Looms in New Jersey's Pine Barrens

Lack of rain and downed branches from winter storms heighten danger as state enters peak fire season.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:50am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of green, brown, and grey, depicting the vast, rugged terrain of the New Jersey Pine Barrens under a dramatic, cloudy sky. The natural elements dominate the scene, dwarfing any visible structures or vegetation.The Pine Barrens' vast, untamed landscape braces for a heightened wildfire risk as New Jersey enters its peak fire season.Long Branch Today

As New Jersey enters its peak wildfire season, parts of the Pine Barrens region have been designated at 'extreme risk' due to a lack of rainfall and an abundance of dry, fallen branches from a harsh winter. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is conducting controlled burns to try and reduce the threat, but officials warn the situation remains highly dangerous.

Why it matters

Wildfires pose a serious threat to communities in the Pine Barrens, which is a vast, ecologically sensitive region covering over a million acres in southern New Jersey. Dry conditions and ample fuel from downed trees increase the likelihood of fast-moving, destructive blazes that could force evacuations and cause significant property damage.

The details

The Pine Barrens region has received about 2 inches less rainfall than normal, placing parts of the area at 'extreme risk' for wildfires according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Heavy, wet snow from the past winter brought down many tree branches that are now potential fuel for future fires. The Forest Fire Service has been conducting controlled burns to try and remove as much of the underbrush and debris as possible to reduce the overall wildfire risk.

  • New Jersey is entering its peak wildfire season.
  • The state has already seen scattered wildfires across the region.

The players

New Jersey Forest Fire Service

The state agency responsible for monitoring and managing wildfire risks in New Jersey's forests and natural areas.

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The takeaway

With dry conditions, ample fuel, and the heightened risk of fast-moving wildfires, residents in the Pine Barrens region need to remain vigilant and heed any evacuation orders or fire warnings from local authorities. The Forest Fire Service's controlled burn efforts are crucial, but the overall threat level remains extremely high as New Jersey enters its most dangerous time of year for wildfires.