July 4 is a time for fireworks, barbecues, campfires and a high risk of wildfires.
Every year, Americans are responsible for an estimated 8,000 wildfires on Independence Day — and New Yorkers and New Jerseyans are no exception.
In 2022, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection reported 32 wildfires during the long weekend covering July 4 — nearly twice as many as the days preceding the holiday. Last year, there were more than four times as many blazes across the Garden State over the holiday than in the week leading up to it.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation couldn’t provide exact data on human-caused infernos over Independence Day, but said the trend is also true in the Empire State.
A combination of dry, hot and windy weather and increased use of fireworks, barbecues and campfires is the ultimate recipe for the spike in blazes over the holiday.
According to the National Park Service, about 85% of wildfires are the result of human activity.
“Any flame source can be a potential start of a fire, whether it’s a campfire, barbecue or fireworks,” said NYSDEC Fire Management Officer Scott Jackson.
Research shows fireworks cause wildfires to surge every July 4, often because of inexperienced or intoxicated revelers.
When a firecracker explodes, it can release debris and ignite a fire if it lands in a dry area with vegetation. Once a fire is sparked, it only takes minutes to become uncontrollable.
Illegal fireworks like ground sparklers can get hotter than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. They release a shower of flames and colorful sparks with small embers that can easily start fires.
“Everybody loves a good firework,” said New Jersey Forest Fire Chief Bill Donnelly. “Whether they’re legal or illegal, they just need to be conscientious of where that particular device lands after it makes the big spark in the air.”
After the pyrotechnics are over, Donnelly recommends checking the area for any sparks, and using water to extinguish any embers or signs of fire. What’s left of the firecracker should also be doused with water.
Jackson advises additional precautions, like having buckets of water or a garden hose on hand in case a fire breaks out.
“Folks underestimate that these things [spent firecrackers] are still hot after they’ve used them,” Donnelly said. “If you just make sure things are out, we can probably eliminate a handful of these incidents.”
Campfires and barbecues are also potential sources of conflagration. Hot coals or the last embers of a burnt log can start a fire even when they look spent.
Jackson recommends moving the grill away from structures like houses or sheds, and to make sure the grill is not on top of dried leaves or grass. He also recommends dumping water over used coals before disposing of them. The same rule applies to campfires. A fire is considered out when the coals or wood are cool to the touch.
“It’s [wildfires] more likely just because we have folks out in the forest, whether they’re camping or fishing and lots of times they may have a big fire,” said Donnelly. “The most important thing you need to be aware of is that when you’re done using it, extinguish it properly.”
New York and New Jersey’s fire seasons have been somewhat quiet so far this year. Just under 200 acres have burned in New York, which is well below average. New Jersey has had only one major wildfire, and just over 1,000 acres burned. But that could change quickly if the weather gets hotter and dryer.
“I anticipate we’ll certainly have some fires [on July 4]. There’s no doubt about it. We always do,” Donnelly said.