NEW YORK – Smoke from a massive wildfire burning in New Jersey reached New York City early Thursday, impacting air quality in America’s largest city.
New York state’s departments of Environmental Conservation and Health have issued Air Quality Health Advisories for New York City, Westchester County, Rockland County and Long Island, covering more than 20 million people.
The Jones Road Fire erupted Tuesday afternoon in Ocean County, New Jersey. In just a few hours, it tripled in size, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes. Those people have since been allowed to return home as the fire moves away from population centers.
The smoke created a hazy orange sunrise over Staten Island on Thursday morning.
New Jersey declared an Air Quality Action Day on Wednesday for most of the state of nearly 10 million. Groups with sensitive respiratory conditions were told to limit outdoor activities.
On Wednesday, northerly winds were pushing wildfire smoke south into Atlantic City and surrounding areas.
Winds switched directions early Thursday morning and began pushing smoke north towards the New York City metro area.
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This graphic shows expected smoke coverage over the New York-New Jersey metro area
(FOX Weather)
In 2023, smoke from Canadian wildfires turned the sky an apocalyptic shade of orange in New York, blocking the sun in a bright haze.
Air quality was greatly impacted and set records for the worst air quality ever recorded.
Smoke from the Jones Road fire will likely impact parts of Pennsylvania and Connecticut as well.
