New York City’s Office of Emergency Management and the state’s Department of Environmental Protection issued a notice on Wednesday (April 23) that due to a wildfire in southern New Jersey affecting New York City, the air quality on Thursday may be “moderately” affected. It is advised for those sensitive to air quality not to engage in strenuous outdoor activities and for symptomatic individuals to stay indoors as much as possible.
According to the latest information from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the Jones Road Wildfire broke out on Tuesday in Ocean County, approximately 85 miles from Manhattan, with only 40% containment as of Wednesday evening.
The department stated yesterday that based on the current level of containment and the upcoming weather patterns in the area, officials estimate that the fire may not be fully extinguished until at least Saturday, making it one of the largest wildfires in New Jersey in recent years.
The Fire Department reported that last year during the same period, New Jersey had only experienced 310 wildfires, whereas this year, there have already been 662 wildfires, burning approximately 26 square miles of land.
According to the State Forest Fire Service, the Jones Road Wildfire has forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes and ultimately led to the closure of 17 miles of New Jersey Park Avenue, Route 9, Route 532, Lakeside Drive, Jones Road, Bryant Road, and Route 72.
“The wildfire smoke may drift into New York City tonight (April 23 evening), but the affected time and specific locations are still uncertain,” stated the Office of Emergency Management on its official website. “As the situation develops, NYCEM will continue to assess potential impacts, activate response measures as needed, and promptly share the latest information to ensure New Yorkers receive information to protect their health and safety.”
The state Department of Environmental Protection and the city Health Department also stated on their official websites that the wildfire on the 24th will bring mild levels of fine particles to the Greater New York area and Long Island, “unhealthy for sensitive populations.”
The department recommends that outdoor activities for healthy individuals are generally unaffected; children and the elderly, as well as adults with heart or respiratory issues, should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If you experience tearing eyes, itchy throat, headaches, coughing, or difficulty breathing, please immediately retreat indoors to rest.