"With the conditions we have that are so dry right now, it takes very little to get a fire going," said Greg McLaughlin of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
South Jersey has been learning that the hard way over the last week with two major forest fires, including one in Tabernacle that consumed over 1,000 acres.
The state Forest Fire Service is on alert because temperatures are predicted to reach the 80s during the next several days, only increasing the fire threat.
"It's going to be a beautiful weekend which is a cause for concern for us because the better the weather, typically the more fires we have," said Michael Achey, Assistant District Warden.
All nine fire towers in Central and South Jersey will be manned during daylight. Those red brush trucks will be fully staffed and strategically placed because the Pinelands continue to be a tinderbox.
"Our fuels are about as dry as they're going to get it seems. The wind is absolutely a concern. The stronger the wind, the faster it's going to spread. Additionally with this temperature it throws one more component in," said Michael Drake, Acting New Jersey Fire Warden.
Fire officials are warning residents to be careful where you throw matches or cigarettes.
This weekend, campfires are banned in any forest, park or wooded area in the state.
"You want to enjoy it, be out with your family doing those fun things but we can't if those fires are occurring," said Kyla Glassner, a resident in Delaware Township.
There may be some showers later this weekend but fire officials say this extreme fire danger will not ease up until we have a good, long, soaking rain.
