New Jersey wildfires: Drought conditions contribute as a cause

A drought doesn’t just mean an area is experiencing dryness, it also means vegetation is drier and wildfires are more likely to occur.

By: Katie Thorn

Outlets: South Jersey Climate News

Published: September 17, 2026

Words: 905

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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From the brush fire in West Deptford, NJ, last spring to the blaze that erupted in the Pinelands last year, New Jersey has seen a recent surge in wildfires over the last few years.

There were 1,322 wildfires that burned 27,229 acres in New Jersey in 2025, according to the NJ Forest Fire Service. Compared with the 20-year average for the state, the number of wildfires last year was a 22% increase …

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