Campfire restrictions were bumped up a notch and according the the NJFFS group that I am a moderator on patrols were bumped up to a stage 3 which means that every truck doing a patrol must have a driver and a firefighter on board. It is really dry out there, so please take extra precaution. Fires have a nasty way of sneaking up on you and it IS really easy to get surrounded. And now is the time for all the smokers...myself included....to make sure they do not leave their butts on the trails and do NOT flick out the car windows. It is way too easy for the least little spark to start a raging fire right now.
There is an emergency number for the state forests in the area. Please use it if you spot a fire or a dangerous situation (it can also be used if you are stuck and don't have your emergency contact list, lol). The number is 1-877-927-6337.
From the DEP's WEBSITE:
What is the safest way to build, maintain, and extinguish a campfire?
Clear campfire sight down to bare soil
Circle the pit with rocks.
Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, dry grass, and leaves.
Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.
Never leave a campfire unattended.
When putting out a campfire, drown the fire, stir it, and drown it again.
Always have an adult around to supervise outdoor cooking.
Be careful with gas lanterns, barbeques, gas stoves, and anything that can be a source of ignition for a wildfire.
How do I safely operate a on or off-road vehicle on public lands when fire potential is high?
Never park your vehicle on dry grass.
Never throw a lighted cigarette out the window of a vehicle.
Grease trailer wheels, check tires, and ensure safety chains are not touching the ground.
Avoid driving through tall grass.
Internal combustion engines on off-road vehicles require a spark arrester.
Check and clean the spark arrester.
Carry a shovel and fire extinguisher in your vehicle or OHV/ATV.
How can I prevent a wildfire if I smoke?
Never throw a lighted cigarette from the window of a vehicle.
Never walk off and leave a burning cigarette.
Be aware of smoking restrictions when recreating on Federal and State public lands.
Use ash trays.
Follow all local restrictions and guidelines about smoking.
All of this may seem blase for those of us that really know the woods and the dangers, but it can never hurt to put it out there.
There is an emergency number for the state forests in the area. Please use it if you spot a fire or a dangerous situation (it can also be used if you are stuck and don't have your emergency contact list, lol). The number is 1-877-927-6337.
From the DEP's WEBSITE:
What is the safest way to build, maintain, and extinguish a campfire?
Clear campfire sight down to bare soil
Circle the pit with rocks.
Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, dry grass, and leaves.
Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.
Never leave a campfire unattended.
When putting out a campfire, drown the fire, stir it, and drown it again.
Always have an adult around to supervise outdoor cooking.
Be careful with gas lanterns, barbeques, gas stoves, and anything that can be a source of ignition for a wildfire.
How do I safely operate a on or off-road vehicle on public lands when fire potential is high?
Never park your vehicle on dry grass.
Never throw a lighted cigarette out the window of a vehicle.
Grease trailer wheels, check tires, and ensure safety chains are not touching the ground.
Avoid driving through tall grass.
Internal combustion engines on off-road vehicles require a spark arrester.
Check and clean the spark arrester.
Carry a shovel and fire extinguisher in your vehicle or OHV/ATV.
How can I prevent a wildfire if I smoke?
Never throw a lighted cigarette from the window of a vehicle.
Never walk off and leave a burning cigarette.
Be aware of smoking restrictions when recreating on Federal and State public lands.
Use ash trays.
Follow all local restrictions and guidelines about smoking.
All of this may seem blase for those of us that really know the woods and the dangers, but it can never hurt to put it out there.
