NJ dealing with drought, fire risk a year after destructive wildfires

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Experts say the wildfire threat in New Jersey and New York is lower this year, but risk remains due to ongoing drought conditions.

Despite a recent nor'easter, New Jersey needs several prolonged rainstorms to alleviate the statewide drought watch.

So far in 2025, New Jersey has experienced nine major wildfires, which is roughly two to three times the annual average.

A year after a series of destructive wildfires burned across New Jersey and New York, fueled by historically dry weather last fall, experts say the threat is lower this year, but the region is still at risk for wildfire, especially if the current drought continues.

Although the nor’easter on Sunday and Monday drenched the area with more than an inch of rain, New Jersey likely needs several regular and p