New York fires

### Daily Wildfire Report for New York - April 24, 2025

#### Overview
Although the primary wildfire is located in New Jersey, the impacts of the fire are significantly affecting air quality in New York, particularly in the New York City area and surrounding regions. The situation is characterized by a fast-moving wildfire in New Jersey's Pine Barrens, which is generating substantial smoke that is being carried into New York.

#### Current Situation
- **Fire Activity:** The Jones Road Fire in Ocean County, New Jersey, has burned over 13,000 acres of land and is currently 50% contained. The fire, which began on April 22, is expected to continue due to dry conditions, winds, and low humidity[2][4][5].
- **Air Quality:** An Air Quality Alert has been issued for the five boroughs of New York City and surrounding counties, including Rockland, Bronx, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, Kings, Nassau, and Westchester. The air quality index is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, with readings just above 100, indicating fine particulate levels that could pose health risks[1][2][5].
- **Smoke Impact:** Smoke from the wildfire is expected to affect New York City and Long Island, particularly on Thursday, with winds shifting north. Although the impact is not as severe as the 2023 Canadian wildfires, it still poses significant health concerns for sensitive groups such as those with heart or lung diseases, older adults, and children[1][2][4].

#### Key Details
- **Fire Location and Size:** The wildfire is located in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, specifically in Lacey and Ocean townships, and has grown to over 13,000 acres[1][2][5].
- **Evacuations and Infrastructure:** Around 5,000 residents were evacuated but have since been permitted to return home. The Garden State Parkway, a major highway in New Jersey, was temporarily closed due to the fire but has since reopened[1].
- **Containment and Cause:** The fire is currently 50% contained, and the cause is under investigation. A teenager has been charged with allegedly starting the wildfire[2][4].

#### Recommendations
- **Public Awareness:** Residents, especially those in sensitive groups, are advised to limit their outdoor activities and avoid strenuous exercises to reduce exposure to poor air quality. It is recommended to stay indoors and follow health advisories issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation[1][5].
- **Health Precautions:** Individuals with respiratory issues such as asthma or heart disease should take extra precautions, including consulting their physicians if symptoms arise. Residents are also advised to refrain from outdoor activities that could exacerbate health problems[1][5].

#### Resources
For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
- **New York State Department of Environmental Conservation:** [dec.ny.gov](https://www.dec.ny.gov/)
- **AirNow - Federal Air Quality Monitoring Website:** [airnow.gov](https://www.airnow.gov/)
- **National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC):** [www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn](https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn)

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly. Additionally, a toll-free air quality hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established for New York City residents to stay updated on air quality conditions.

CITATIONS

['https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2025/04/24/air-quality-alert-nyc-new-jersey-wildfires-april-24', 'https://abcnews.go.com/US/13000-acres-burned-new-jersey-smoke-expected-hit/story?id=121115949', 'https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/new-jersey-jones-road-wildfire-smoke-new-york-city', 'https://abc7ny.com/post/air-quality-alert-nyc-ocean-county-nj-wildfire-smoke-jones-road-fire/16237448/', 'https://economictimes.com/news/international/us/new-jersey-wildfires-new-york-city-issues-air-quality-alert-as-wildfire-burns-13000-acres/articleshow/120589213.cms']