Hardwick Township among communities receiving wildfire risk-reduction grants as spring season approaches
HARDWICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Hardwick Township in Warren County is among 22 communities across New Jersey receiving state grants aimed at reducing wildfire risks ahead of the spring fire season, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
The DEP’s Forest Fire Service announced $90,000 in grants for projects designed to help communities better prepare for wildfires, particularly in areas where residential development meets forested land. Hardwick Township received a $4,300 grant through the program. Additional grants were awarded to communities in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Monmouth and Ocean counties.
The funding supports communities participating in the Firewise Communities program, which encourages local planning and action to reduce wildfire hazards.
“The Firewise Communities Program supports concrete actions to help save lives and raise awareness for both vigilance and action to reduce wildfire risk,” said Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak. “The partnerships supported by this initiative are vital for ensuring the protection of lives and property in New Jersey’s most wildfire-prone areas.”
Grant funding can be used for a range of wildfire-prevention efforts, including maintaining firebreaks, thinning vegetation that can fuel fires and conducting community outreach and education. Communities may also use funds for “home-hardening” projects that reduce the risk of homes catching fire from embers or burning debris carried by wind.
According to the DEP, homes destroyed in wildfires are often ignited by embers rather than direct flames. Preventive measures may include clearing dead vegetation near homes, maintaining defensible space around structures, installing mesh screens over vents and keeping gutters free of leaves and pine needles.
John Cecil, DEP assistant commissioner for state parks, forests and historic sites, said community-level preparation is key as the state approaches wildfire season.
“As New Jersey approaches spring wildfire season, preparation is critical, and community-level action to reduce wildfire risk through implementation of the Firewise Communities program is an important step to take,” Cecil said.
New Jersey typically experiences its peak wildfire season from mid-March through mid-May, when low humidity, windy conditions and dry vegetation increase the risk of fires spreading quickly.
Hardwick Township holds a notable place in the program’s history. According to the DEP, it became New Jersey’s first Firewise Community in 2004, helping pioneer wildfire preparedness efforts in the state.
Officials said residents can learn more about wildfire risks and prevention resources through the New Jersey Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal (NJWRAP) at wildfire.nj.gov.
