In fact, Chopper 6 HD was over Howell, Monmouth County where flames devoured a few trees on Wednesday.
That's why New Jersey's Forest Fire Service is on alert, responding to the "Red Flag Warning" issued by the National Weather Service. The warning means that Wednesday's weather conditions - warm, sunny temperatures, low humidity and strong winds - create what forecasters call "explosive fire growth potential."
"It's an extremely bad day. Conditions can't really get a whole lot worse. They're ripe for a big fire today, it could happen at any time," said Shawn Judy of the NJ Forest Fire Service.
Because of the extreme fire hazard, the fire service has ramped up patrols and readiness. That's especially true in South Jersey's Pinelands where they know all too well one small wildfire can spread and consume thousands of acres.
"You need to be very careful if out in the woods for any reason because of extremely dry conditions right now. Also obviously don't play with matches," said District Fire Warden Bill DeGroff.
The recent wet weather doesn't help prevent the fire danger because the sandy soil acts like a filter and water runs through it. Judy says what's left is a layer of dry leaves, twigs and other material on the ground that acts as fuel for a fire.
Judy says firefighting equipment has been strategically placed and observers continue manning several 85-foot towers, scanning the Pinelands with binoculars for any sign of smoke or fire.
"It's ready to burn. We're looking at an extremely hazardous day," he said.
