New Jersey wildfires surged 22% in 2025, with nearly all caused by human activity, report finds
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey experienced a significant increase in wildfire activity in 2025, with the number of wildfires rising 22% above the 20-year average and nearly all fires caused by human activity, according to the state’s first annual wildfire report released Thursday by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Forest Fire Service.
The report found that 1,322 wildfires burned 27,229 acres statewide last year. The acreage burned was 116% higher than the 20-year average. Human activity accounted for 99.6% of all wildfires, while only six fires, burning a combined 1.75 acres, were caused by lightning.
“Public education and awareness are part of our comprehensive strategy to understand wildfire risk in New Jersey,” said Acting 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 marks the first annual review of wildfire activity by the Forest Fire Service and examines wildfire trends, causes, response efforts and prevention strategies.
Equipment-related incidents, including vehicle fires, equipment malfunctions and utility infrastructure failures, were the leading cause of wildfires, accounting for 486 incidents that burned more than 527 acres.
Campfires caused 137 wildfires and were responsible for the largest amount of acreage burned, totaling more than 15,263 acres statewide. Two of the state’s nine major wildfires in 2025 were linked to illegal campfires.
Among them was the Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, which burned 14,949 acres after being sparked by an illegal campfire on April 22, 2025. The fire threatened more than 1,300 structures, prompted the evacuation of approximately 7,000 residents and caused widespread transportation disruptions and power outages.
“The Forest Fire Service’s first annual report provides a detailed look at wildfire activity in New Jersey and the factors driving it,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “Understanding the scope and causes of wildfire activity helps us better protect New Jersey’s forests and communities and is an important step in improving transparency and guiding future prevention efforts.”
The report also highlighted the growing challenge of longer-lasting wildfires. Between 2019 and 2024, New Jersey experienced 38 major wildfires, nine of which required more than five days to reach full containment. In 2025, four of the state’s nine major wildfires took more than five days to contain.
The Buckabear Wildfire in Passaic County burned for 60 days before reaching full containment, while the Jones Road Wildfire burned for 20 days and the Mines Spung Wildfire in Burlington County took 18 days to contain.
The Forest Fire Service also reported that prolonged drought conditions limited its prescribed burn program in 2025. Crews treated just 3,962 acres with prescribed fire, the lowest total in 25 years and only 16% of the agency’s annual goal of 25,000 acres.
“Coming off an extremely busy fall season in 2024, 2025 was a significant fire year in which our crews worked for weeks without a break,” said Bill Donnelly, Chief of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. “Our crews across the state remain ready to protect lives and property as New Jersey increasingly sees longer wildfire seasons. The data in this report is an important tool for educating New Jerseyans and helping them understand that human behavior drives the vast majority of wildfires in the state, underscoring Smokey Bear’s message that ‘only you can prevent wildfires.’”
State officials said changing climate conditions are contributing to longer wildfire seasons and increased fire risk throughout the year.
“New Jersey is seeing a shift in wildfire risk beyond the traditional spring season,” said Greg McLaughlin, Administrator for Forests & Natural Lands. “Increasing fire weather conditions throughout the year, aligned with long-term climate trends, are placing greater demands on our crews and reinforcing the need for year-round vigilance and fire safety among New Jersey’s residents and visitors.”
The report notes that the number of annual fire weather days in New Jersey has increased since 1973, according to research by Climate Central, reflecting growing concerns about wildfire risk across the state.
The full report is available at wildfire.nj.gov.
