Crime & Safety
Ocean County, NJ Fire Alert Oct. 28: Controlled Burns Planned Oct 28
Ocean County, NJ – Residents in parts of Ocean County could notice smoke or controlled fire activity Wednesday, Oct. 28, as the New Jersey Forest Fire Service plans prescribed burning operations to re
By Cole Barrett · 2026-10-28T14:48:48.408Z
Ocean County, NJ – Residents in parts of Ocean County could notice smoke or controlled fire activity Wednesday, Oct. 28, as the New Jersey Forest Fire Service plans prescribed burning operations to reduce wildfire risks.
According to a notification issued Wednesday by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, prescribed fire operations are planned in Ocean County, with the schedule dependent on weather conditions.
Why Controlled Fires Are Being Conducted Prescribed burning involves intentionally setting and managing fires under carefully selected conditions to reduce accumulated vegetation and other combustible materials.
The Forest Fire Service says these operations help limit the amount of fuel that could contribute to the ignition and spread of uncontrolled wildfires.
By reducing vegetation buildup, officials aim to lower wildfire risks for nearby communities, residents and natural habitats.
Prescribed fire can also improve wildlife habitat, reduce certain damaging insects and ticks, and return nutrients to the soil.
Smoke May Be Visible in Ocean County Residents traveling through wooded portions of Ocean County may encounter smoke if burning operations proceed.
The agency has not identified specific burn locations or smoke impacts in the supplied announcement.
Officials emphasize that prescribed fire schedules can change depending on weather and operational conditions.
Residents should not assume every visible smoke plume is associated with an authorized burn.
How to Check Fire Activity The New Jersey Forest Fire Service maintains an online prescribed fire notification map showing planned and active operations.
Residents can review the map through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website.
Anyone uncertain about the source of smoke or fire should contact 911 or the state's environmental hotline at 877 WARN DEP 877 927 6337 .
The Forest Fire Service says prescribed burning is an important component of New Jersey's broader wildfire prevention and forest management strategy.