According to an article as of November 8, Bergen County, Camden, Ocean, Gloucester, Edgewater, and Burlington. Were battling fires.
What Causes Wildfires?
A period of dry weather is plaguing half the United States but more specifically New Jersey, the last couple of months with the driest October on record.
I asked Mr.Ballos a science teacher at WHS who has a passion for weather his opinion.
“We see 2-tenths of an inch of rain on average for the state. The tinder conditions and current low humidity levels combined with warm weather is accelerating the evaporation rates so conditions such as these easily cause wildfires”.
There are currently fires in North and South Jersey some the size of a football field. With currently two active fires as of this coming week with recent rain contributing to the decrease of fires along with firefighter efforts to put them out.
A specific fire named Jennings Creek in between NY and NJ has been the talk of the town. Firefighters only have 20% contained. A fire four times the size of Central Park threatening 14 buildings. With uneven terrain, it makes it difficult for firefighters to enter with their equipment.
Troubles Ahead
The state has had a 30% increase in fires since 2011 with climate change adding to the mix. With a firefighter shortage arising as well and more consistent all things are getting rough.
“It’s a difficult task because you have to worry about elements of mother nature so anytime wind comes into play. Fires can easily spread out quicker” Said Mr. Ballos.
“ However, Rutgers University reported that on average about 4,000 acres of land per year and this year has been 11,000. Fires in themselves create thermal turbulence “
Fires are not common in NJ as it is in the west where they have a more dry climate. 2019 and 2017 were dry periods for NJ as well. 2024 is now being added to that list.
Consequences of the Smoke
The ongoing fire is causing the air quality to go down and for the air to smell like smoke and nasty odors one can’t put a finger on. Multiple complaints have been made of odd smells. With all the different things being burned in a fire it isn’t the only thing as the circulating dust is affecting us as well. This effect should only be temporary.
Some precipitation is heading our way soon, but it doesn’t guarantee the end of the Wildfires. Drought conditions may persist. We need more than shallow rain to create significant improvement. The state has had ten inches of rain below normal for the past three months. The upcoming weeks show that the weather patterns should be changing.
Wildfires occur not only in New Jersey but even in other areas such as New England, being drier than normal. The State of New Jersey put out a drought warning on November 13.
Who can tell how long this problem will persist? Do you think this will reach an extreme extent?
