The New Jersey State Forest Fire Service is conducting some controlled burning in Hammonton. This is causing some smoke to move into the surrounding townships
Prescribed or controlled burning (back burning) is necessary to prevent a build up of dangerous fuel loads in the forest. It is also a technique used in forest management, farming, prairie restoration or greenhouse gas abatement. Fire is a natural part of both forest and grassland ecology and controlled fire can be a tool for foresters. Controlled burning stimulates the germination of some desirable forest trees, thus renewing the forest. Some seeds, such as sequoia, remain dormant until fire breaks down the seed coating.
