Ocean County Campfire Smell & Ash Due To Wildfire Control Efforts

I have to admit, I was a little startled when I left work last night.

When I stepped outside around 8 P.M., it smelled like a fresh campfire was blazing.

And it wasn't just the smell, some parts of Ocean County have even had light ash falling from the sky.

Thankfully, though, there's no need to panic.

Again yesterday, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service was purposefully setting fires in an effort to avoid disaster when wildfire season rolls around.

Prescribed burns are common this time of year, but the NJFFS has been particularly busy lately.

You might have seen the electronic signs on the Garden State Parkway, 195, and the New Jersey Turnpike that have been letting motorists know not to worry if they see smoke.

Or, like me, you may have noticed plumes of smoke rising over the area recently.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has also been keeping the public in the loop on their Facebook page, posting when they're performing controlled burns and where you might see or smell smoke:

The idea behind the small, controlled fires is that clearing underbrush now will help prevent out-of-control wildfires when things get hot and dry later in the year.

You can always stay up to date by clicking here for the official NJFFS Facebook page.