The N.J. Forest Fire Service has begun its annual controlled burns to reduce undergrowth and other forest floor materials that have the potential to fuel wildfires, Department of Environmental Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced. This year, the state intends to treat 25,000 acres of forests, grasslands and marsh with prescribed fire. Meeting the targeted acreage will depend on favorable weather conditions from February through April, when most controlled burning takes place in New Jersey.

ABLAZE: The sun is seen setting through the smoke of a controlled burn in the Pine Barrens last March. Each year, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service burns undergrowth in state forests to help reduce the chance of wildfires. (File Photo by Ryan Morrill)