The DEP Forest Fire Service released a report on the 2025 wildfire season that saw substantial increases in the number of wildfires and acreage burned statewide, and reminds residents and visitors to New Jersey of the important role they have in protecting their communities and reducing wildfire risk.

The report is the first of what will become an annual analysis by the Forest Fire Service looking back at the previous year’s wildfire metrics in the context of wildfire trends, causes and response efforts, while helping New Jerseyans better understand the need for wildfire vigilance to help protect lives and property. Of the 1,322 wildfires that burned 27,229 acres statewide last year, nearly all were caused by humans, according to the report. The figures represent a 22% increase in the number of wildfires and a 116% increase in acreage burned compared with the 20-year average.

“Public education and awareness are part of our comprehensive strategy to understand wildfire risk in New Jersey,” said Acting Commissioner Potosnak. “This report is a key component of that approach, helping to explain the many factors influencing wildfires and how communities can partner with the Forest Fire Service to prevent them.”

The 2025 report is available on the Forest Fire Service’s website at wildfire.nj.gov, and on the agency’s social media profiles on Instagram, X and Facebook.

“The Forest Fire Service’s first annual report provides a detailed look at wildfire activity in New Jersey and the factors driving it,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “Understanding the scope and causes of wildfire activity helps us better protect New Jersey’s forests and communities and is an important step in improving transparency and guiding future prevention efforts.”