TRENTON — A fire risk warning was issued for New Jersey on Friday, with officials warning of an increased danger of fire spread throughout the day due to dry, windy conditions. The state has seen relative humidity levels fall to between 20% and 25%, creating a higher risk for the rapid spread of any fires that may ignite.
Winds from the north to northeast are expected to reach speeds of 10 to 15 miles per hour, with occasional gusts up to 20 mph. Combined with temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s and abundant sunshine, the weather could contribute to the spread of fires that may become difficult to control.
Residents are strongly advised to avoid outdoor burning and to properly extinguish any potential ignition sources, such as cigarette butts. Local authorities may have additional burn restrictions in place due to the ongoing dry conditions and lack of recent rainfall.
Low humidity levels are expected to persist into the weekend, though winds are forecasted to calm. Despite the lighter winds, the risk of fire remains elevated. Local fire management agencies may continue to enforce burn restrictions until conditions improve.