Why You’re Seeing Smoke in Ocean County

Over the last few days, you may have noticed smoke as you've driven up or down the Garden State Parkway in Ocean County. Thankfully, it's nothing to worry about.

It certainly looked concerning when I was sitting at my desk this morning, as you can see from the picture above (we have a great view of the Toms River and the landscape of Ocean County over the horizon).

But it's part of The New Jersey Forest Fire Service's activities, they are conducting a series of controlled burns now through March 15th from Ocean County to Middlesex County.

Setting controlled fires now can actually prevent uncontrolled forest fires if we have a dry, hot Summer.

So if you see smoke during your morning or afternoon commute this next week and a half, it's nothing to worry about.