Fire Burns Along Parkway In Bergen County Amid NJ Drought

Crime & Safety

Fire Burns Along Parkway In Bergen County Amid NJ Drought The NJ Forest Fire Service battled a wildfire near the Palisades Interstate Parkway Friday. It could be seen from Manhattan. See updates.

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — As the Garden State remains under a Red Flag Warning due to dry conditions that allow fires, a blaze spread along the Palisades Parkway in Englewood Cliffs on Friday morning, officials said.

Smoke from the fire could be seen from across the river in Manhatan.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service sent fire crews to fight the blaze, which they said covers 19 acres. Around 8 a.m. Friday they said the blaze was 30 percent contained.

State Forest Fire crews have responded to several other major wildfires this week as drought conditions worsen across the state. Friday's gusty winds and very low humidity mean that any outdoor fires can spread quickly and become difficult to control, the National Weather Service said.

There will be a risk of rapid fire spread from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday with the greatest danger during the afternoon, according to the NWS office in Mount Holly.

"With a lack of rain over the last month or so, very dry fuels are in place," NWS forecasters said.

Mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions remain in effect. All fires are banned unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas or electricity. No wood or charcoal fires are allowed, and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited, officials said.

The fire ban is in place on all public lands and private properties in all municipalities throughout the state, officials said.

Both Trenton International Airport and Atlantic City International Airport have gone without measurable rainfall for more than a month. On Thursday, both broke records for consecutive days without measurable rainfall.

The 34-day record in Atlantic City was set in 1995, and Trenton's record of 38 days without measurable rainfall had been set all the way back in 1865.

Michele Rotuno-Johnson contributed to this report.