Community Alerts!

In this section we will post information that can be used to help keep you and your family safe. This page is used for situations that do not rise to the level of becoming an Emergency Alert, those are posted under the Patrol Division 'Emergency Alerts'. Here you will be informed about things such as wild animals, possible crime trends that may affect you or our community, etc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scotch Plains Declares State of Emergency Due to Elevated Fire Risk

Scotch Plains, New Jersey — October 29, 2024 — Today, Scotch Plains has declared a state of emergency in response to a heightened risk of fires, as extreme weather conditions—marked by high winds, prolonged dry spells, and low humidity—have created a critically high fire danger. This declaration enables Scotch Plains to mobilize resources to protect residents, property, and natural areas.

Effective immediately, this emergency status allows for an increased allocation of personnel, equipment, and resources. The declaration also enables officials to implement temporary measures to mitigate fire risks, which include a ban on all open burning, prohibitions on the use of fireworks and sparklers, and restrictions on certain types of grills.

The specific restrictions imposed include:

1. Bonfires, open burning, and recreational fires (including but not limited to chimineas, outdoor fireplaces, and outdoor fire pits) shall prohibited at all times, and;
2. The use of any open flame or flame-producing device, in connection with any public gathering, for purposes of entertainment, amusement, or recreation shall be prohibited at all times, and;
3. The discharging of fireworks, consumer fireworks, sparklers, smoke devices, novelties, and non-aerial sparking devices or any other type of pyrotechnic device shall be prohibited at all times, and;
4. The use of any open flame or flame-producing device in an exterior setting shall be prohibited.
5. The use of outdoor grills which utilize charcoal or wood for fuel shall be prohibited.

The state of emergency applies to all public and private land in Scotch Plains and will remain in effect until the risk of outdoor fires decreases.