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    • The Diwali festival in Edison NJ this weekend will have new wrinkles
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    The Diwali festival in Edison NJ this weekend will have new wrinkles

    Online Niel Posted on

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    (This story has been updated with a new headline.)

    EDISON – Fireworks should not be part of this year’s Diwali celebrations due to fire restrictions imposed during drought conditions, according to a local fire official.

    Edison Fire Chief Andrew L. Toth said all residents should refrain from using any type of fireworks, including legal ones, during the Diwali celebration to ensure everyone’s safety.

    “Due to the ongoing drought and extreme fire danger in effect for all counties in New Jersey, the State Division of Fire Safety (NJDFS) has implemented a ban on campfires and fireworks in the Fire Service’s first response areas New Jersey Wildfire (NJFFS),” Toth said. “The Edison Fire Department will implement these recommendations effective immediately in the township.”

    Earlier this week, the state Department of Environmental Protection and the state DEP Forest Fire Service urged the public to heed Stage 3 fire restrictions that are in effect as extremely dry conditions are expected to persist in New Jersey.

    “Mandatory Stage 3 fire restrictions put in place earlier this week prohibit all fires unless contained within an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas or electricity. No wood or charcoal fires are permitted and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited while this restriction level is in effect. A fire ban is in effect on all public lands and private property in all municipalities in the state,” according to a press release from the DEP, which also expressed concern about wind. flurries of low humidity over the next few days making the forests vulnerable to fire.

    More: Edison Plans ‘Unforgettable Day’ to Celebrate Diwali – Everything You Need to Know

    There was no measurable rain in New Jersey this month, resulting in very dry conditions.

    “When conditions get this dry, the simplest things can start a fire,” said Bill Donnelly, state wildfire director and chief of the Wildfire Service.

    This week there were brush fires in Raritan Township, Old Bridge, Morris County and Connecticut.

    On Thursday, the New Jersey Wildfire Service announced that the weather service had issued a red flag warning for Middlesex County, along with several other counties in central and south Jersey. The warning indicates that dry conditions, low humidity and gusty winds are favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires.

    Edison’s Diwali Festival of Lights celebration Saturday at Papaianni Park, with more than 100,000 lights on display, will feature a drone show rather than fireworks this year.

    Diwali, a festival of lights, takes place in autumn, between mid-October and mid-November, on the darkest day of the lunar month, which is the day of the new moon.

    Diwali celebrates the themes of victory of good over evil, light over darkness and hope over despair. It is observed differently by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, creating a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and customs.

    Last year’s town celebration included a fireworks display.

    During Wednesday’s City Council meeting, a resolution was approved granting Serpico Pryrotechnics LLC permission to discharge fireworks on Friday, Oct. 25, for a private Diwali celebration on the grounds of the Metuchen Country Club, 244 Plainfield Road.

    But Toth pointed out that with the current fire restrictions, the fire department would not issue the fireworks permit and the display would not take place.

    According to Toth, in accordance with Division of Fire Safety guidelines, the Edison Division of Fire will not issue any permits for campfires, open burning or fireworks until further notice.

    “This precaution is essential to ensure the safety of our residents during this critical time,” Toth said.

    Email: [email protected]

    Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

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