NYC Air Quality Alert: Smoky Haze from NJ Wildfire

An air quality alert is in effect for New York City due to smoke drifting from a massive wildfire in central New Jersey. The Jones Road wildfire, which has burned thousands of acres, is expected to continue burning for several days.

Unhealthy Air Quality

New York City Emergency Management predicts that air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive groups, with residents likely to see and smell smoke. The alert covers Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, as well as surrounding counties in New York and Long Island.

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Wildfire Impact

The Jones Road wildfire, started on April 22nd, has already burned 13,250 acres and is currently 50% contained. While firefighters have made progress, officials expect it to continue until significant rainfall. The fire has led to thousands of evacuations in New Jersey, with several structures destroyed and more threatened. One business owner described the destruction of his building as 'gut-wrenching'.

Air Pollution Concerns

This air quality alert comes at a time when a recent American Lung Association study found that tens of millions more Americans are breathing polluted air than last year. Wildfires are contributing significantly to this alarming trend.

More Information

The cause of the New Jersey wildfire is still under investigation. For updates on the air quality alert, check the official sources.