in all of the state’s 21 counties. Stage 3 is the highest level of restrictions, meaning that lighting any open fires within or adjacent to wooded areas is not allowed unless they are contained in an elevated stove or barbecue grill using only propane, natural gas or electricity. The drought watch urges New Jersey residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water. If drought conditions do not improve, a drought warning or a drought emergency with mandatory water-use restrictions may become necessary, officials noted.