Some Backyard Fire Pits Banned In North Jersey This Weekend

NORTH JERSEY, NJ — The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has placed restrictions on outdoor fires this weekend following a spell of dry weather in Northern New Jersey.

Residents in Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties are all under restrictions this weekend, and will likely see those restrictions tighten further starting on Monday.

Between Friday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 29, residents lighting fires should make sure they are contained in fire pits or on gravel, per the "Stage One" restrictions.

"Fires directly on the ground are prohibited unless in a prepared fire ring. Fires on mineral soil which will not endanger the forest, such as in a gravel pit, may be permitted at the discretion of the Forest Firewarden issuing the permit," Forest Fire Service said Friday morning. "A prepared fire ring must be constructed of steel, stone, brick, or concrete with a gravel or masonry base."

Starting on Monday, Sept. 30, residents across northwestern New Jersey will need to be even more careful with their fires, NJ.com reported, when the restrictions are set to ratchet up to "Stage Two."

Under those tighter restrictions, all ground fires are banned, and only certain elevated fires will be allowed.

"An elevated prepared fireplace must be constructed of steel, stone, brick or concrete with its fire box elevated at least one foot above the ground surface and surrounded by at least a ten feet radius clearance to mineral soil," officials said.

The risk of fire across North Jersey remains set to high, following a prolonged dry spell paired with high temperatures and strong sun.

Not sure what a "high" risk means? The Forest Fire Service breaks it down:

All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small.

The rest of the state is under a "moderate" risk, meaning a forest fire could happen if there is a lightening strike or similar occurrence, but an accidental forest fire is unlikely.