State Conducting Prescribed Burn Today at Central Park of Morris County

Published on February 21, 2020

Burns Taking Place at in Parsippany and Morris Township/Morris Plains Borders

The State Forest Fire Service has announced it will do a prescribed burn today in a wooded and grass section of Central Park of Morris County, in the vicinity of Gov. Chris Christie Drive, to reduce undergrowth and other forest floor materials that have the potential to fuel wildfires.

The Fire Service, which is a branch of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, has targeted 24 acres at Central Park, which is managed by the Morris County Park Commission.

Forest Fire Service personnel use best management practices and follow a plan to control smoke impacts during the burn, but nearby residents and visitors may see large plumes of smoke and may experience temporary impacts from smoke.

Photos: James Douglas

The Forest Fire Service can protect property, lives and infrastructure by creating defensible space and strategic fire breaks near developed areas, according to Greg McLaughlin, Chief of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

These prescribed burns help prevent wildfires, reduce the intensity of these fires, and provide a foundation for safer, more effective fire suppression and protection operations, said McLaughlin.

Prescribed burns, also known as controlled burns, can help keep forest ecosystems healthy by improving wildlife habitats, managing competing species of plants and trees, controlling insects and disease, and recycling important nutrients into the soil.

Motorists are also reminded to use caution when approaching areas where prescribed burns are taking place.

Contact one of the State Forest Fire Service's three Division office at www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/fire/contactus.html to learn more about the prescribed burns program and where burns are expected to be conducted.