Mind your butts! Critical fire danger throughout New Jersey today

     New Jersey Forest Fire Service crews battling a large brush fire in Brick on April 13, 2014. (Photo: NJFFS)

    New Jersey Forest Fire Service crews battling a large brush fire in Brick on April 13, 2014. (Photo: NJFFS)

    The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning until 8 p.m. today.

    Under the current conditions, “any fires that develop may quickly get out of control and become difficult to contain,” the warning states. 

    “The combination of windy conditions and low relative humidity values will lead to a more rapid spread of any fires that may develop,” the warning advises. “Residents are encouraged to exercise fire prevention with any outdoor activities and properly dispose of smoking materials.” 

    New Jersey Forest Fire Service crews have been working to contain a forest fire that broke out before 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Bevans Wildlife Management Area in Cumberland County.

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    The wildfire, which has consumed at least 1,500 acres, was 55 percent contained as of 8 a.m. Thursday and is expected to burn itself out, according to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Larry Hanja.  

    The fire has not threatened any homes and no injuries have been reported. 

    As Smokey Bear says, “Only you can prevent wildfires.” Here are some tips from him.

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    The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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