OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Following rainfall over many parts of the state, the New Jersey DEP Forest Fire Service has lifted statewide fire restrictions on certain types of outdoor burning. However, a statewide drought warning remains in effect as overall rainfall deficits over the past three months remain a significant concern. Rainfall from the November 20-21 event ranged from one to two inches.

Drought Warning Remains in Effect

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Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette on Nov. 13 signed an Administrative Order authorizing the Drought Warning designation. The warning resulted from a significant 10-inch rainfall deficit over the past three months. It is important to note that it would take numerous rain events to make up this large of a deficit.

 

The goal of a Drought Warning is to preserve and balance available water supplies in an effort to avert more serious water shortages in the future. A Drought Warning enables the DEP to more closely manage water systems by directing water transfers among systems, controlling releases from reservoirs, and modifying the rate of flow in streams and rivers to balance ecological protection and needs of water suppliers.

 

The public is strongly encouraged to follow these tips to reduce water use:

• At this time of year, it is appropriate to let lawns go dormant for the season.
• Winterize and shut off irrigation systems as soon as possible.
• Only use a watering can to water flowers and shrubs or allow them to go dormant for the season.
• Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water, as washing your car at home typically results in more water use.
• To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes. Consider replacing your toilet with a low-flow version; this can save around 11,000 gallons per year.
• Upgrade your showerhead to low-flow versions, which can save some 7,700 gallons per year.
• Upgrade your faucets or install faucet aerators; this can save some 16,000 gallons per year.

The DEP has prepared a drought toolkit to help local governments and others spread the word about conservation. Visit: https://njdepwptest.net/conserve-water/toolkit/

For detailed information on drought conditions, including precipitation statistics, reservoir levels, and ecological indicators, visit www.njdrought.org

Lifting of Fire Restrictions

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The lifting of Forest Fire Service restrictions on certain types of outdoor burning – including the use of charcoal grills and outdoors fire pits – recognizes that the immediate risk of wildfire from outdoor fires has diminished. Fire restrictions may be implemented again at any time as conditions dictate.

The Forest Fire Service continues to remind the public to be careful when using fire. Most wildfires can be avoided by adhering to these commonsense safety tips:

• Don’t discard cigarettes, matches or smoking materials on the ground.
• Don’t leave fires unattended. Douse them completely, until cold to the touch.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children. Teach youth about fire safety.
• Use wood stoves and fireplaces carefully, since both can emit embers that spark fires. Fully douse ashes with water before disposal.
• Contact your nearest Forest Fire Service office about how to obtain a Campfire Permit.

Statewide fire danger and fire restrictions can be viewed on the Forest Fire Service’s New Jersey Fire Danger Dashboard: https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/fire/infotools/conditions-restrictions.html