Mandatory Statewide Fire Ban Due to Drought Conditions — No Fireworks for Diwali

By Barbara A. Preston | Posted October 31, 2024

No open burning, or flame-producing devices of any sort — including fireworks for Diwali — are permitted throughout the entire state of New Jersey due to severe drought conditions.

This means no lighting of fireworks of any sort (including sparklers, rockets, candles, and punks to name a few). The fire ban is in place on all properties (private and public) in all municipalities throughout the state.

“We are currently experiencing some of the driest conditions ever,” NJ Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “It is critical that members of the public be extra cautious about fire prevention and refrain from using any open flames.”

DIWALI FIREWORKS banned this year, due to the severe draught.

In addition, wood or charcoal fires, or kerosene or gas torches are also strictly prohibited until further notice. 

Normally, leaves falling from trees in the fall still hold moisture. However, due to the dry conditions this year, leaves have already dried prior to hitting the ground, creating an increased fire threat.

Montgomery Township Mayor Neena Singh asked The Montgomery News to alert township residents to these statewide restrictions — especially in light of the Diwali festival of light holiday, which often includes flame decorations, tea lights, and fireworks (Both aerial and ground effect novelties).

This year, Diwali is celebrated from Thursday, Oct. 31 through Friday, Nov. 1. It is a holiday observed by the Montgomery / Rocky Hill school district. Schools will be closed on Nov. 1.

A DIWALI CELEBRATION in Montgomery Township. File photo by Barbara A. Preston.

Montgomery Township has a sizable population of people from the Indian subcontinent who celebrate the festival, which celebrates the symbolic victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Around the world, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists light their homes, temples, and workspaces with traditional Indian diyas (oil lamps), candles, and lanterns while preparing large meals and enjoying sweets.

NJ Under Statewide Drought Watch — Conserve Water

The Murphy Administration issued a statewide Drought Watch on Oct. 17, strongly urging residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water as persistent dry and warmer-than-average conditions continue to stress the state’s water supplies.

During the past three months, New Jersey has experienced significantly below-average rainfall, which has contributed to diminished streamflow, reservoir, and groundwater levels.

The declaration of a Drought Watch is intended to increase public awareness and appreciation of the stress water supply sources are facing and encourages the public to practice voluntary water conservation measures. If conditions do not improve, declaration of a Drought Warning or a Drought Emergency with mandatory water use restrictions may become necessary.

The last Drought Watch in New Jersey occurred in August 2022 and was lifted in December 2022. The last statewide Drought Emergency with mandatory water use restrictions was declared in March 2002, and was lifted in January 2003.

For updated information about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies, visit dep.nj.gov/drought.

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Prolonged Dry Conditions and Wildfire Risk

The drought index that the Forest Fire Service uses measures the dryness of soil and forest floor materials, such as leaves, pine needles, branches and twigs. This index is specifically designed to estimate wildfire potential. The index ranges from 0 to 800, with 0 representing completely saturated, wet soil and tops out at 800 representing extreme dryness and the maximum drought possible.

The Lebanon Fire Tower in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Burlington County, is presently reading the drought index as 725, representing near top level drought conditions and a condition rarely observed over decades of observations.

Another index estimates the amount of forest fuels that can contribute to the intensity and spread of wildfire. When this index reaches 120 or above it signals very high to extreme fire risk. The Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower’s Buildup Index is currently 203 in Wharton State Forest, Burlington County.

The Forest Fire Service posts these index readings on the NJ Fire Danger Dashboard.

Wildfire Prevention Tips

Most wildfires can be avoided by adhering to these commonsense safety tips:

• Don’t discard cigarettes, matches or smoking materials on the ground.

• Use indoor wood stoves and fireplaces carefully, both can emit embers that spark fires. Fully douse ashes with water before disposal.

• When towing a trailer, ensure you aren’t dragging chains. If a trailer chain drags on the road, it can create sparks that fly into nearby vegetation, igniting a wildfire.

• Be mindful where you park or drive your vehicle. Hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation if parked or driven over it.

• Be careful when cutting your grass or using other yard tools. Power tools like lawnmowers and chainsaws can throw off sparks that ignite dry grass or leaves.

• Keep matches and lighters away from children. Teach youth about fire safety. Children can learn about wildfire safety with Smokey Bear’s new mobile game Smokey’s Scouts.

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Since the start of the year, New Jersey has experienced 934 wildfires, which have burned 6,715.5 acres across the Garden State.

Smoke conditions can be observed throughout the state in areas that have experienced recent wildfires as the fires down into the duff layer of soil, which is especially common during dry periods. Smoke can be expected to remain present until significant rain falls over a fire area.

To learn more about wildfires in New Jersey, steps to protect property and other resources, visit www.njwildfire.org.