EFD CALLED ON TO AID IN THE DOUSING OF LARGE BRUSH FIRE IN PEMBERTON Saturday, May 8, 2010 15:00 - On Saturday, May 8th, at around 3PM, EFD was summoned by the Burlington County Central Dispatch Center to respond into Pemberton to assist in a multi-jurisdictional effort to contain a brush fire that had already consumed about 250 acres. Engines 2211 and 2231 responded and crews rendered aid to fire crews already on scene from surrounding communities and the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service. EFD crews were released from the scene at approximately 9PM. The fire was brought under control and was announced to be fully contained during the daytime hours Sunday after consuming approximately 500 acres. The cause of the fire has been identified as an abandoned campfire.   EFD would like to take this opportunity to remind township residents of a few fire safety tips for this year’s wildfire season. First, it is important to create a “defensible space” around your home. By removing dead plant material, ground cover, debris, and other fuel sources within a 100 foot radius, you significantly enhance the fire department’s ability to effectively combat a forest fire threatening your home. Clean out dead fall from your gutters and insure that your roof is clear as well. Be sure to have your house number clearly visible from the street and keep your driveway clear of to aid responders in finding their way your home. Additionally, make sure your lawn remains manicured and watered. Tall brown grass is one of the fastest burning fuels that can be found in our area. And lastly, please be sure to utilize a screen or spark arrestor on any chimnea or outdoor fireplace. Sparks and embers from these can travel great distances and land on sources of fuel which could result in large forest fires under ideal conditions.   If you would be interested in learning what YOU can do to help protect your home, contact our Fire Administration Office at (856) 983-2750 or one of our three fire stations and a representative from our department will come to your home to perform an evaluation and give you tips specific to your home in order to identify potential fire spread dangers on the exterior of your property