A fast-spreading wildfire in New Jersey has sent plumes of smoke across the greater New York City region, disrupting air quality and triggering health advisories on Thursday. The fire’s suspected origin has led to the arrest of a young man accused of starting the blaze.
Authorities in Ocean County announced that 19-year-old Joseph Kling, a resident of Waretown, is facing multiple charges, including aggravated arson. Prosecutors allege that Kling ignited the fire in the vicinity of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Ocean Township, with officials pointing to a “bonfire that was not properly put out” as the cause.
“Further investigation has revealed that Kling was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire – and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished,” the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.
Kling is currently in custody at the Ocean County Jail, while fire crews continue to battle the large blaze. As of Thursday, the fire had scorched more than 15,000 acres and was only half contained, according to emergency officials.
The smoke from the wildfire has triggered elevated pollution levels across New York City and neighboring counties including Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, and Westchester. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued warnings about air quality, urging residents to take precautions.
The agency noted that staying indoors could help minimize exposure to smoke-related issues like irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, along with respiratory symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.
On Thursday morning, a subtle smokiness hung over Midtown Manhattan, with forecasters predicting that air conditions would deteriorate as the day progressed.
Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol told 1010 WINS that Air Quality Index levels were projected to climb into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range, possibly reaching an AQI of 101.
“We have masks that you can pick up, which are available at local precincts and public libraries,” Iscol said. “And again, if you’re experiencing any symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain—please make sure to seek medical attention. Don’t take any chances.”
Up-to-date AQI information is available at AirNow.gov.
The event has drawn comparisons to the Canadian wildfire smoke that blanketed New York City in June 2023, when the AQI soared to a record-setting 484, casting an eerie orange glow over the skyline.
This time, smoke is being carried in from the southeast by wind patterns, according to AccuWeather. Though not as intense as the 2023 incident, the smoke may still cause hazy skies and limited visibility, along with further deterioration in air quality.
Despite the smoky haze, forecasters said Thursday would be mostly sunny, with scattered clouds and a high temperature near 74 degrees in the city.
Officials reported that the wildfire had expanded to over 20 square miles and might continue burning for several more days. While there have been no reported injuries, around 5,000 residents had to evacuate but were later allowed to return. The fire has destroyed one commercial property and several vehicles, while a dozen structures remained at risk as of Wednesday night.
“This is still a very active fire,” said New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “As we continue to get this under full control the expectation is that the number of acres will grow and will grow in a place that is unpopulated.”
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office issued a separate warning early Thursday, stating that smoky conditions would persist and that emergency teams would remain on scene for the coming days.
Meanwhile, New York State has issued a high fire danger alert for multiple regions due to dry conditions, affecting New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, and parts of the North Country. Other areas are under moderate to low fire risk.
Officials say this wildfire ranks as the second most destructive in New Jersey in the past twenty years, with the largest being a 2007 inferno that consumed 26 square miles.
Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed a state of emergency declaration on Wednesday. Emergency responders have so far managed to contain about half of the wildfire’s spread.
Footage shared by the state’s fire agency revealed a dramatic scene: thick clouds of smoke billowing into the sky, flames engulfing tall pine trees, and crews working to extinguish the blaze as it consumed a heavily scorched structure.
{Matzav.com}