New York City region air quality alert as New Jersey wildfire burns 13,000 acres

At least 13,000 acres are burning in New Jersey as winds are expected to continue Thursday and smoke will hit the New York City area.

The Jones Road Fire in Ocean County, New Jersey, is predicted to grow as dry conditions, winds, and low humidity could aid the wildfire’s continued activity, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

The fire has so far burned more than 13,000 acres and is now 50% contained.

With the fire ongoing and winds shifting north, some of the wildfire smoke will make it to New York City and Long Island as air quality alerts are in effect until midnight Thursday night from the elevated pollution levels the smoke will bring.

New York City was last affected by wildfire smoke in 2023 from fires in Canada but this is not expected to be nearly as intense though it can still be dangerous for highly sensitive groups.

Winds will then shift overnight away from New York City and Long Island but could shift back again on Friday bringing wildfire smoke to the region.