The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has released its first annual wildfire report, documenting a significant increase in wildfire activity across the state in 2025. According to the report, New Jersey experienced 1,322 wildfires that burned more than 27,000 acres, representing a 22% increase in the number of fires and a 116% increase in acreage burned compared to the 20-year average. The report finds that 99.6% of wildfires were caused by human activity, with equipment use accounting for the largest number of incidents and campfires responsible for the greatest acreage burned.
The report is intended to improve public awareness of wildfire risk, support prevention efforts, and provide a baseline for tracking wildfire trends, causes, and response activities in future years. “Public education and awareness are part of our comprehensive strategy to understand wildfire risk in New Jersey,” said Acting NJDEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak. “This report is a key component of that approach, helping to explain the many factors influencing wildfires and how communities can partner with the Forest Fire Service to prevent them.”
The report highlights several major wildfire events, including the Jones Road Wildfire, which burned nearly 15,000 acres, threatened more than 1,300 structures, and prompted the evacuation of approximately 7,000 residents after being sparked by an illegal campfire. NJDEP also noted that prolonged dry conditions and longer fire seasons are contributing to more complex wildfire response efforts, with several major fires in 2025 requiring weeks to reach full containment. In addition, drought conditions limited prescribed burning activities, with the state treating its fewest acres with prescribed fire in 25 years.
More information related to the report can be found here.
