Smoke may be visible while driving or hiking, but it may not cause an alarm.

On Monday, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced that thousands of acres will be given “prescribed burns” for the spring.

Intentional fires burn potential fuel such as leaves, pine needles, and branches on the forest floor, so if a real forest fire were to occur, the flames would have less to eat.

This year, the New Jersey Forest Fire Department plans to treat 25,000 acres of forest, grassland and wetlands with prescribed fires, DEP said. Burns usually occur from February to April, but reaching the target area depends on the weather.

Most burns occur on state-owned land, but the Forest Fire Service also assists private landowners, nonprofits, and local governments.

DEP advises drivers to exercise caution when approaching prescribed burn sites. Speed ​​limits may be relaxed, as well as equipment and personnel.

If you are unsure of the source of the smoke or if you witnessed a given burn, call 1-877-WARN-DEP or 911.

According to the DEP, in addition to reducing forest floor fuel, prescribed burning improves plant and animal habitat, reduces the presence of harmful insects, and recycles nutrients to the soil.

By 2022, approximately 17,000 acres will have completed routine incineration.

Dino Flammia is a reporter for the New Jersey 101.5. You can contact him at his dino.flammia@townsquaremedia.com.