May 21, 2023

Source: PBS News

Excerpt: 

The Jimmy’s Waterhole wildfire in Manchester Township, Ocean County — which destroyed more than 3,800 acres and caused residents from about 170 homes to evacuate — sparked Monday afternoon just as New Jersey entered peak wildfire season.

Experts say climate change is a factor contributing to longer wildfire seasons.

“Typically, we wouldn’t mark spring wildfire season until about March 15,” Greg McLaughlin, administrator and chief of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, said.  “And then that usually ends when that deciduous vegetation leaves out fully and is full of moisture. That’s about the middle of May. But we’re starting to see fires happening in the early part of March, even in mid-February.”

Read more: A changing climate is contributing to longer wildfire seasons in New Jersey, experts say