Due to smoke from wildfires, New York City officials have issued an air quality alert, advising over 10 million Americans to stay indoors.
A wildfire that began Tuesday in Ocean County, New Jersey, near the coast, has already scorched more than 15,000 acres. Although about half of the fire is under control, it remains active roughly 54 miles south of New York City. Officials say full containment may not be possible until rain arrives later in the week.
The smoke from this fire is spreading across state lines, carrying toxic particles and chemicals that can worsen asthma, increase the risk of heart attacks, and contribute to long-term health problems like dementia and cancer.
As a result, the New York Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation have issued a fine particulate matter health advisory, in effect Thursday from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
These particles—known as PM2.5—are extremely small, measuring 2.5 micrometers or less, and can reach deep into the lungs, potentially causing serious respiratory issues.
The advisory applies to all five boroughs of New York City, as well as Westchester, Rockland counties, and Long Island.
In addition to PM2.5, wildfire smoke contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens. These compounds can cause genetic mutations that lead to cancer.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in New York City may exceed 100 today. On the AQI scale—ranging from 0 (good) to 500 (hazardous)—a reading above 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, seniors, and people with heart or lung conditions.
Prolonged exposure to the polluted air could result in coughing, shortness of breath, eye and throat irritation, and sneezing.
“When pollution levels are high, the New York State Department of Health advises individuals to limit strenuous outdoor activity to lower the risk of health complications,” reads the NWS advisory.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported. However, the Associated Press (AP) noted that as of Wednesday night, 12 structures remained under threat after a business and several vehicles were destroyed.
“This fire is still very active,” said Shawn LaTourette, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. “While we continue working to fully contain it, the burned area is expected to grow—though thankfully, it’s moving into unpopulated terrain.”
An investigation by law enforcement and forest fire officials determined the blaze was caused by a bonfire that had not been properly extinguished, and it has been classified as incendiary.
On Wednesday, authorities arrested 19-year-old Joseph Kling of Waretown. He was charged with Aggravated Arson and Arson for allegedly starting the wildfire that began in Waretown and spread throughout southern Ocean County.
According to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower spotted smoke around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday in the area of Jones Road and Bryant Road. First responders discovered a fire burning within the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust’s Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area.
Further investigation revealed that Kling had ignited wooden pallets before leaving the area without putting out the fire. He was arrested at Ocean Township Police Headquarters and is currently held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Roughly 5,000 New Jersey residents were forced to evacuate but have now been allowed to return to their homes.
The blaze has been intensified by the region’s dry seasonal weather. New Jersey typically experiences peak wildfire season at this time of year—when leaf growth is still underway, humidity is low, and winds are stronger. A recent drought has only worsened these already dry conditions.
Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly reported that New Jersey has already faced nearly double the number of wildfires in 2025 compared to the same period last year, with 662 fires consuming over 16,500 acres.
The Jones Road fire is now considered the worst in nearly two decades, second only to a 2007 blaze that destroyed 26 square miles.
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