Extreme Forest Fire Creates 200-Foot Wall of Fire in New Jersey

As an extreme forest fire continued in New Jersey, a 200-foot wall of fire raged through the area.

As the elevated fire risk that has been threatening and destroying parts of New Jersey for days is still persisting. Near-record high temperatures are anticipated in the tri-state area on Thursday.

Through Friday, high pressure will bring sunshine and unusual warmth to the tri-state area, with highs on Thursday expected to reach a scorching 88 degrees and those on Friday only slightly lower. Our fire danger will be high on Thursday due to the low humidity and windy conditions. By the weekend, the risk will be lower, nevertheless, people are strongly urged to remain vigilant.

The National Weather Service only issued a watch at the time the Garden State experienced the red flag warnings that affected New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, but the threat of fire spreading is a present worry.

200-Foot Wall of Fire

This week, brush fires broke out in Brick, Howell Township, and Teaneck, all across the state. A day ago, a significant fire broke out in West Milford Township near Spring Lake Road and Route 23. It had nearly 4,000 acres when it was fully contained by midday on Thursday. By the evening, road closures were anticipated to end. As this is happening, a forest fire in Manchester Township burned thousands of acres. The second witnessed a 200-foot flame wall, burning embers landing miles away, and carloads of people running for cover inside a high school.

According to John Cecil, State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites Assistant Commissioner, this fire displayed extreme fire behavior and is in a dire situation.

Extreme Forest Fire in New Jersey

Although there were no reports of injuries, smoke can be smelled up to 10 miles away and can be seen on radar from the National Weather Service.

According to officials, April is the month with the most forest fires in New Jersey. Additionally, 40% of the state is made up of forests despite being the most populous in the country. The state Forest Fire Service estimates that there are roughly 1,500 wildfires in New Jersey each year. There have already been 15, according to authorities.

The area of New Jersey where the flames are raging has no potential for precipitation until the weekend, despite the fact that the state is not experiencing a drought. In addition to placing restrictions on charcoal and/or gas fires, the state banned campfires on Wednesday, NBC4 New York reports.

According to the National Weather Service, two Special Weather Statements are in effect over much of New Jersey as the extreme forest fire persists. The weather alerts will remain until 8 PM and 9 PM tonight.

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New Jersey Air Quality

The air quality in New Jersey is currently ranked as "Fair" with a rating of 40. Ground-level ozone is up to 84 µg/m³, fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers is at 16 µg/m³, and particulate matter larger than 2.5 micrometers has a concentration of 29 µg/m³.

The three pollutants rated fair on the air quality scale, putting today's overall status as such. This indicates that while the majority of people find the air quality to be generally acceptable, sensitive groups may experience mild to moderate symptoms after prolonged exposure to the pollutants, AccuWeather reports.