Red Flag Warning Issued As Raging NJ Brush Fire Sends Smoke Into NYC
Firefighters are working to contain a New Jersey brush fire sending smoke into New York City.
The fire broke out on the Palisades in Englewood Cliffs Thursday night. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the fire spans 19 acres and is 30 percent contained as of 7:36 a.m. Friday.
A red flag warning has been issued from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for most of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut due to dry and windy conditions. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has designated the current fire risk as extreme for the entire state.
Dozens of firefighters are responding to the blaze near exit 1 on the Palisades Parkway. One northbound lane on the roadway remains closed.
The fire is burning in a heavily wooded area between the Palisades Parkway and the Hudson River. No structures are threatened by the blaze, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
The agency also plans to use a helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water.
Officials said the fire is unlikely to expand significantly. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
The FDNY said it responded to reports of smoke, according to CBS News New York .
October was the driest month on record in the New York City area with less than an inch of rain.
The fire risk could remain moderate-to-high Saturday before decreasing Sunday into Monday, as rain is expected in the region.
At least three other wildfires have spread across New Jersey recently, including one in Jackson Township that is about 60 percent contained after burning 350 acres. Six homes near Six Flags Great Adventure were evacuated as a result of the blaze. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Bethany Run wildfire in Burlington and Camden Counties has burned more than 300 acres. The blaze is 75 percent contained. No structures are currently under an evacuation order, but 104 are threatened.
Another fire, deemed the Pheasant Run Wildfire, is burning in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area in Gloucester County. That fire is 50 percent contained.
New Jersey officials have placed temporary restrictions prohibiting all fires not contained in an elevated stove and fueled by propane, natural gas, gas or electricity.
Under the fire ban, wood or charcoal fires and kerosene are not allowed on private or public property. Bonfires and fireworks are also banned.
What's a Red Flag Warning?
A weather service will issue a red flag warning when there is an increased risk of fire in an area due to warm temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.
The warning helps alert fire managers and officials to keep an eye out for wildfires and stop any planned burns.
The warnings are commonly issued in the fall and spring seasons.
Check back for updates on this breaking news story.
