Wildfire Indicies

Fire Danger & Campfire Restrictions

Current Fire Danger and Rating Indices

As of August 28, 2008	Fire Danger	Buildup Index	Keetch-Byram Drought Index	Campfire Restrictions	Agricultural Open Burning Allowed
Northern NJ	Moderate	46	460	Stage 1	Yes
Central NJ	Moderate	44	451	Stage 1	Yes
Southern NJ	Moderate	57	552	Stage 1	Yes

2008 Fire Statistics
Reporting Period	Fires	Acres Burned
January 1, 2008 to August 24, 2008	973	1,157.50
Comparison to 2007	1,059	20,708.25

NJ Fire Danger Monitoring Console

The NJ Forest Fire Service uses two indices to measure and monitor the dryness of forest fuels and the possibility of fire ignitions becoming wildfires. These indices are the National Fire Danger Rating System's "Buildup Index" and the "Keetch-Byram Drought Index." Both indices are used for fire preparedness planning, which includes the following initiatives: campfire and burning restrictions, fire patrol assignments, staffing of fire lookout towers and readiness status for both observation and firefighting aircraft.

Fire Restriction Rating System

Stage # 1	Fires directly on the ground will be prohibited unless in a prepared fire ring. Fires on mineral soil which will not endanger the forest, such as in a gravel pit, may be permitted at the discretion of the Forest Firewarden issuing the permit. A prepared fire ring must be constructed of steel, stone, brick, or concrete with a gravel or masonry base.
Stage # 2	All fires in wooded areas will be prohibited unless in an elevated prepared fireplace, elevated charcoal grill or stove using electricity or a liquid or gas fuel. An elevated prepared fireplace must be constructed of steel, stone, brick or concrete with its fire box elevated at least one foot above the ground surface and surrounded by at least a ten feet radius clearance to mineral soil.
Stage # 3	All fires in wooded areas will be prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas, or electricity. No charcoal fires are allowed.

Fire Danger Rating System