On Monday, October 21st at 6 a.m., the New Jersey Fire Forest Services announced a state-wide fire ban until further notice. This was because of the months of no rain New Jersey has faced. Fire danger is very high as of today. No bonfires or campfires are allowed, farms cannot burn agriculture, and fire lookout towers are continually staffed. This is all to avoid danger for the citizens.
The record for no rain in New Jersey is 2 months. Due to the dry climate, multiple brush fires have already occurred in New Jersey. We are in a very dangerous state where everything can easily catch fire which is why all of these precautions are in place.

Passaic County is in a Stage 1 restriction, and fires directly on the ground are strictly prohibited unless there is a prepared fire ring. The fire ring must be constructed of steel, stone, brick, or concrete with a gravel or masonry base.

Wayne resident and Wayne Hills parent, Ryan Renner, is the president of Lionshead Lake and had to cancel many bonfire events due to the fire restrictions in place. Mr. Renner stated, “I think it’s necessary at this time to ensure the safety of our environment as well as commercial and private real estate.” It’s important to understand why we are taking these safety precautions as they will shun us from possible danger.

Deniz Durgut, who is a freshman, is very sad about this ban, saying, “I’m kinda upset about not being able to have bonfires anymore because I love having bonfires with my friends and roasting marshmallows and making smores.”