Debris buildup extended life of Wharton blaze

Chrisr

Explorer
Sep 14, 2008
295
2
Cinnaminson, NJ
[/I]
I just read the article and it basically states that there are no controlled burns. But there are in Wharton, aren't there?

From the article:

Wharton State Forest is the largest single block of public forest in the state, and it does not have a plan for, and has never been subjected to, debris control, such as logging or controlled burns, said Bert Plante, a division fire warden for the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

In other forested areas, the state conducts controlled burns once every four to seven years as part of the state Wildfire Mitigation Program, Plante said. It could be as frequently as once a year or as infrequently as once a decade. The timeline depends on fuel loading, or the accumulation rate of underbrush, which otherwise acts as tinder, according to the Department of Environmental Protection.


Wharton Doesn't have controlled burns, but other areas do.
 

mudboy dave

Explorer
Oct 15, 2008
950
19
43
atco
opentrailsnj.org
wonder how they figure there are no controlled burns????? lived there for 27 years and on a yearly basis there are controlled burns, flag over the next guy you see in a brush truck and ask him/her
 

PinesExplr

Scout
Dec 7, 2005
94
9
Medford, NJ
Seen them

I've been riding & hiking in Wharton a couple times a month, year-round for the last 4 years. I've seen what appeared to be controlled burns several times - near Batsto, near Mt. jemima, near Atco Drag strip and recently in the area of Goshen Bridge Rd - not far from the recent fire site.

So maybe they are referring to a better overall, comprehensive plan -- sounds like typical red tape and lack of leadership.
 

woodjin

Piney
Nov 8, 2004
4,358
340
Near Mt. Misery
"Williams, a 13-year member of the Pinelands Forestry Advisory Committee, has called for a comprehensive plan that would cover the entire state forest. It's key not only to safety, but conserving the forest. "

What a strange thing to say from someone who should know the benefits of fire in the pinebarrens. I wonder if this is a direct quote. Maybe he said something about safety and then they added "conserving the forest" form a different quote.

I am also confused by these comments in the article about controlled burns in Wharton. I've witnessed them as well, as many on forum have.

Jeff
 

gipsie

Explorer
Sep 14, 2008
548
67
56
atlantic county
wonder how they figure there are no controlled burns????? lived there for 27 years and on a yearly basis there are controlled burns, flag over the next guy you see in a brush truck and ask him/her

That's what I am talking about....

I have been around a few of them. The AC Press NEVER gets anything right! Through my local I know a reporter or two and I am definitely going to bring this up. It is like tey are trying to blame the fire on the FD. This just plain pisses me off! How about the jerks with lit cigarettes and arsonists???
 

gipsie

Explorer
Sep 14, 2008
548
67
56
atlantic county
The Press in AC is known for taking shortcuts and never getting anything right. We are at war with them for all sorts of reasons and I would be happy to take up this cause! I will talk to someone from the paper tomorrow and let you guys know what's going on!
 

gipsie

Explorer
Sep 14, 2008
548
67
56
atlantic county
i think this fire was lit by someone in the fire service that wanted some overtime personally.

Grrrr..... I hope that was a joke.

I spent some time talking to the Press today and they repeatedly assured me that they got the info from a 'reliable source'. I see who they quoted and I can only believe that they cut out some information and took things out of context. :bang:
 

mudboy dave

Explorer
Oct 15, 2008
950
19
43
atco
opentrailsnj.org
look at where it was lit, look at the wind direction that day, whoever lit it knew they werent putting anyone directly into harms way. I'd hate to say it but I think wegot a similar fire bug around here. Remember a few years ago over by the Atco Raceway there were alot of fires lit (5-10). now all of a sudden again??????? along with the otherones nearby. Why doesnt Double Trouble, Brendon Byrne, Greenwood, Bass River, Menatico, etc. etc. have the same issues?????? We got some sick SOB around here and I can't wait till he gets taken out
 
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