North Jersey wildfire sends smoke billowing over to Bronx and Inwood
A rare North Jersey wildfire broke out near the town of Englewood Cliffs overnight Thursday, sending smoke wafting across the Hudson river towards Inwood and the Bronx, as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
As of 7:30 Friday morning, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said about 19 acres were burning along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Bergen County, and the fire was 30% contained – though no structures were at risk and no people had to be evacuated.
In a post on X, the Fire Service said it was planning to launch a helicopter to drop water onto the blaze.
CBS news TV crews in upper Manhattan Friday showed white smoke billowing across the New Jersey cliffs, and said the fire was visible from the Henry Hudson Parkway.
The cause of the fire was not immediately released. It broke out as the National Weather Service again issued a red flag warning for New York and New Jersey on Friday, meaning the risk of fire is higher due to warm temperatures, low humidity and stronger winds.
New Jersey Fire Service Chief Warden Bill Donnelly told NBC 10 Philadelphia that more than 8,000 acres had burned across the state in more than 1,200 wildfires so far this year.
As rare "extreme" drought conditions grip parts the state, Donelly said October was the "busiest month on record" for the fire service.
"Hopefully we get some precipitation here in the not too distant future, and we can start putting some of these wildfires to bed and give our folks a break," he said.
