New Jersey officials provide look ahead during a challenging wildfire season
TRENTON, New Jersey (WABC) -- The New Jersey Forest Fire Service held a briefing Tuesday on the three major wildfires that ripped across parts of the state last week - and less than an hour after the briefing wrapped up another Red Flag Warning went into effect for parts of the state.
And a new wildfire is now being reported in Washington Township, Burlington County, in the central part of New Jersey.
Stage 3 Campfire Restrictions remain in effect for central New Jersey (Burlington County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Middlesex County (south of the Raritan River), Mercer County - except Hopewell Township) due to high due to heightened wildfire risk, the Forest Fire Service said.
In recapping their firefighting efforts last week, fire officials said it has been a particular busy year for wildfires so far.
Crews have responded to 517 wildfires already this year compared to 373 in the same time period last year.
The forest service has contracted fixed wings aircraft to battle the fires, which drop water to slow down the progress of the flames.
Last week, the Jimmy's Waterhole wildfire in Manchester Township, Ocean County consumed 3,900 acres.
The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office is investigating that one.
The Kanouse wildfire in West Milford, Passaic County and Lakehurst, Ocean County burned through about 1,000 acres.
And the Log Swamp wildfire in Little Egg Harbor, Ocean County consumed more than 1,600 acres.
At Tuesday's briefing, officials stressed that even when fires are declared under control or 100% contained, they won't be completely extinguished until the region sees some significant rain.
Crews are still working at the scenes of last week's fires, and the possibility of more fires remains high.
ALSO READ | Helicopter team helps douse wildfires in New Jersey by dropping water over the flames
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