Washington Township Police and Fire Department personnel responded to a large brush fire Friday night, Nov. 8.

The blaze, ignited by a downed powerline, was quickly contained and extinguished along West Valley Brook Road, the police department said.

With the arrival of cooler weather, officials are reminding residents that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued a total fire ban across the state on both private and public properties.

The ban, imposed due to extremely dry conditions, prohibits the use of fire pits, campfires, or any form of open burning.

"We urge everyone to follow the fire ban to help protect our community," officials stated, emphasizing the importance of avoiding outdoor fires until the restriction is lifted.

Meanwhile, five wildfires are burning across New Jersey, blanketing the state in smoke and causing deteriorating air quality.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Parsippany-Troy Hills and receive free news updates.