Smelling Smoke In Somerset County? Firefighters Point To North Jersey Wildfire

Crime & Safety

Smelling Smoke In Somerset County? Firefighters Point To North Jersey Wildfire The ongoing forest fire in Passaic County and Orange County, New York has caused multiple reports of outside odor and haze in the area.

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Multiple reports of smoke or haze are being reported throughout Somerset County.

Firefighters are linking these conditions to the ongoing wildfire in Passaic County and Orange County, New York that resulted in the death of a young firefighter and has burned at least 3,500 acres in New Jersey.

The Jennings Creek Wildfire has been burning since Saturday, and is still threatening two homes in West Milford along with eight buildings in Long Pond Ironworks Historic District.

"Due to the current wind direction, our area is experiencing smells of smoke today," said Bernardsville Fire Co. No. 1 & First Aid Squad .

Green Knoll Fire Chief also confirmed to Patch that "multiple fire departments have gone out for reported outside smoke conditions. All are coming up with nothing besides the fires in North Jersey bringing the haze and odor down."

Basking Ridge Fire Co. No 1 & EMS also reported responding to an outside smoke odor around 9:30 on Wednesday.

Residents are encouraged to still call 911 if they believe there is an emergency.

Firefighters also reminded residents that "while it did rain Sunday night, it was NOT enough to change the current dry conditions. ALL burning restrictions remain in place!" said Bernardsville Fire Co. No. 1 & First Aid Squad .

The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement for the elevated risk for the spread of wildfires throughout New Jersey on Wednesday.

"There is an increased risk for fire spread through early this evening. Minimum relative humidity values are expected to be between 20 and 30 percent this afternoon with the exception of the immediate coastal areas. Wind gusts will be around 15 mph. Due to the combination of marginal winds and very low relative humidity values, these conditions could support the rapid spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control," according to New Jersey Forest Fire Service .

Additionally, Stage 3 Fire Restrictions are in effect statewide. These restrictions include:

All fires will be prohibited unless contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas, or electricity.

No charcoal fires are allowed.

Current New Jersey Fire Danger:

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