10million Americans told not to leave their homes TODAY as toxic chemicals sparks air quality emergency
A fire in neighboring New Jersey has burned through more than 15,000 acres since Tuesday when it erupted in Ocean County, near the shoreline.
The fire is about 54 miles south of NYC and roughly 50 percent contained. Fire crews may not be able to fully contain the blaze until rain falls this weekend.
Smoke billowing across state lines is filled with toxic chemicals and fine particles that can worsen asthma, lead to heart attacks and may increase the risk of developing cancer and dementia.
New York's Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter from 12am to 11:59pm Thursday.
These particles, also known as PM2.5, are tiny airborne particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.
The advisory covers the New York City Metro area, including all five boroughs, Westchester and Rockland counties, as well as Long Island.
When inhaled, these particles burrow deep inside the lungs and can cause serious health problems.
What's more, wildfire smoke is known to contain cancer-causing chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which cause genetic mutations that allow tumors to form.
National Weather Service (NWS) officials warn that New York City's outdoor air quality levels could be greater than an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100 today due to the presence of fine particulates.
The AQI measures the amount of pollutants and particulates in the air on a scale of zero (good) to 500 (hazardous).
An AQI of 100 is considered 'moderate,' but may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly and people with pre-existing lung and heart conditions.
The general population can expect some eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath if they spend too much time outdoors.
'When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects,' the NWS alert reads.
So far, no one has been injured or killed in the blaze, but a commercial building and some vehicles were destroyed, and 12 structures remained threatened Wednesday evening, according to the Associated Press (AP).
'This is still a very active fire,' said New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette.
'As we continue to get this under full control the expectation is that the number of acres will grow and will grow in a place that is unpopulated.'
Investigation by law enforcement and forest fire officials determined that he cause of the fire was an improperly extinguished bonfire, and was deemed to be 'incendiary.'
On Wednesday, officials charged Joseph Kling, 19, of Waretown with Aggravated Arson and Arson in connection with a wildfire that started in Waretown Tuesday and continued to spread throughout the southern Ocean County area, according to a statement from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
'At approximately 9:45am ET Tuesday, the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower located a column of smoke coming from the area of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Ocean Township,'
'Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed a fire within the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust's Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, which is on the east side of Jones Road.'
Further investigation revealed that Kling set wooden pallets ablaze, then left the area without extinguishing the bonfire.
Investigation by law enforcement and forest fire officials determined that he cause of the fire was an improperly extinguished bonfire, and was deemed to be 'incendiary'
'Kling was taken into custody at Ocean Township (Waretown) Police Headquarters; he was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing,' the statement reads.
A total of 5,000 New Jerseyans were forced to evacuate, but are now allowed to return home.
The fire was likely fueled by dry conditions typical for New Jersey this time of year. The region is currently in peak wildfire season, as trees are still developing leaves, humidity remains low and winds can kick up, drying out the forest floor.
But the affected area had also been experiencing a severe drought until recently, which likely exacerbated the dry conditions.
In 2025, New Jersey has already experienced nearly twice as many wildfires as it did in the same period last year, with 662 fires consuming over 16,500 acres, according to Bill Donnelly, the chief of the forest fire service.
Officials say the Jones Road fire is the worst in nearly two decades, smaller only than a 2007 blaze that burned 26 square miles.
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