Before tonight's rain sets in, New Jersey Forest Fire Service staffers seize the opportunity to clear away flammable dead underbrush with controlled burns in Ocean and Stafford Townships in southern Ocean County.

Beachwood forest fire as seen from Bayville ShopRite parking lot
Beachwood forest fire as seen from Bayville ShopRite parking lot (Vickie Manteau)
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According to Barnegat police, they're operating near each town's Barnegat border this afternoon. If you see smoke plumes billowing from the forests in those areas, it's on schedule.

Forest fire officials conduct burns at various times through fall, winter and early spring, when winds are low and conditions are reasonably dry. Each project rids protected areas of dead, dry leaves,twigs and branches, all potential kindling for large-scale wildfires.

The most recent forest fire causing widespread damage in sections of Ocean, Burlington and outer Monmouth Counties took place in 2006, when more than 20,000 acres were charred over several days.

Forest fire officials continue to remind people who own homes near forests to set up a fire barrier perimeter, by clearing their properties of unneeded underbrush.

Find an extensive list of safety tips at the New Jersey Forest Fire Service web page.

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