New 133‑foot Veterans Fire Tower dedicated in Jackson to boost early wildfire detection; DEP commits $2 million

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service dedicated the Veterans Fire Tower in Jackson, Ocean County, on Monday, unveiling a 133‑foot observation structure officials say will strengthen early detection and response to wildfires.

"Our firefighters put themselves in harm's way to protect New Jersey residents, our visitors, homes, businesses, and critically our natural resources," said Ed Pitasnik, acting commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. He said the tower will help protect more than 516,000 residents and about 200,000 homes in Ocean and Monmouth counties and that the department is devoting approximately $2 million to the project.

The tower, the first new fire tower built in the state in 78 years, is part of a network of 21 towers the Forest Fire Service uses to triangulate smoke, pinpoint potential wildfire locations and dispatch resources quickly, officials said. Bill Donnelly, state fire warden in chief of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, described the tower as a modernized iteration of a century‑old approach that relies on trained observers rather than cameras alone.

"The human element is still essential with these fire towers," Donnelly said, noting the Veterans Fire Tower includes a catwalk—a feature not present on other state towers—that allows observers to step outside for better visibility. Donnelly urged residents to remain vigilant entering spring fire season and invoked the familiar wildfire prevention message: "Only you can prevent wildfires."

Officials framed the dedication as part of broader investments in the Forest Fire Service. Pitasnik and speakers thanked the legislature for recent appropriations that, they said, have funded engines, air support, protective gear and staffing; Pitasnik cited a $3 million appropriation for equipment and upgrades in 2024 and an additional $1 million added for fiscal year 2026.

Legislators and local officials who spoke at the ceremony praised the tower and pledged continued support. Senator Carmen Amato said touring recent fire sites, including the Jones Road fire, informed budget decisions that increased resources for the Forest Fire Service. Assemblywoman Tenille McCoy described the tower as a regional asset that strengthens detection and protection across legislative districts.

Before the ribbon cutting, the department introduced a planned prescribed‑fire demonstration and an overview of the Forest Fire Service's fuel‑reduction strategy. John Cecil, assistant commissioner for State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites, said prescribed fire helps reduce wildfire fuel loads and said the agency has an annual goal of treating at least 25,000 acres.

Cecil said the Forest Fire Service treated 3,958 acres with prescribed fire in 2024 — the lowest total in 25 years — and that "as of yesterday" the agency had treated 5,233 acres so far this year, with additional burns to proceed as weather allows. He directed the public to the agency's prescribed‑fire notifications map at wildfire.nj.gov and said notifications are posted on the Forest Fire Service's social channels and via signup alerts at wildfire.newjersey.gov.

After remarks, the program moved to a ribbon cutting and participants were invited to a prescribed‑fire demonstration across the bridge from the Forest Resource Education Center. The department said the tower is dedicated to veterans and commemorates the state's anniversary observances.

The Forest Fire Service and DEP emphasized that prescribed fire operations are weather‑dependent; the demonstration and additional treatments will proceed only when conditions are safe and when notifications are posted by the agency.