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NJ Wildfires: Red Flag Warning still in effect as fires continue in New Jersey
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NJ Wildfires: Red Flag Warning still in effect as fires continue in New Jersey

NEW JERSEY (WABC) — Multiple wildfires in New Jersey have prompted smoke advisories and pushed firefighters to their limits as flames burn from the Pinelands in the central and western parts of the state to the suburbs of New York City.

A new wildfire is burning near Cannonball Road in Pompton Lakes, Passaic County. The 164-acre fire was first reported Friday around 2:20 p.m., according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

As of 15:00 on Saturday, 50% of the fire was under control.

Authorities say that 55 structures are under fire threat, but there is no evacuation at this time.

“I have every confidence that our Forest Service and local volunteer fire departments will get this under control,” said Pompton Lakes Mayor Michael Serra.

Cannonball Road remains closed at DuPoint Place as firefighters try to extinguish the flames. The north right lane of Interstate 287 was also closed due to the fire.

The NJ Wildfire Service has deployed engines, ground crews and a helicopter to assist in relief efforts as the cause of the fire continues to be investigated.

“We ask that the public please use common sense. We ask that they do not throw away cigarette butts or any smoking or burning materials,” said Shawn Judy, deputy wildfire manager for the NJ Forest Fire Department.

In the meantime The red flag warning will remain in effect until 18:00 on Saturday Because weather conditions can help fires spread quickly.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW JERSEY FIRES

Current weather conditions are ideal for such fires to occur. It is extremely dry, windy and has low humidity.

Stage 3 fire restrictions are in effect statewide, prohibiting all fires unless contained on an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, gas or electricity.

New Jersey has not had measurable precipitation in more than a month, setting a new record, the weather service said.

Smoke from fires also affected air quality New York City dealing with its own brush fires.

Eyewitness News Meteorologist Brittany Bell explains where smoke from wildfires could impact the Tri-State area:

Meteorologist Brittany Bell explains where smoke from wildfires in NJ may impact our region and air quality.

OTHER FIRES

Palisades Interstate Parkway Wildfire

Another fire broke out on the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood Bluffs in Bergen County, near Rockefeller Lookout, across the Hudson River from New York.

It was smaller than other wildfires burning in New Jersey, each burning less than a square mile as of late Thursday.

The 39-acre wildfire is 40% contained and no homes are threatened by it.

Henry Hudson Drive is currently closed as crews remain on scene to assist in fighting the fire.

Burlington and Camden Counties Wildfire

Other fires are burning in southern New Jersey, including the Bethany Run Fire, which burned 360 acres in Burlington and Camden counties.

Flames were seen rising into the air on Thursday night, with thick clouds of smoke rising from above.

As of Friday night, 90% of the fire was under control. While 104 structures were threatened, none had been evacuated as of Friday afternoon.

Gloucester County Wildfire

The Pheasant Run Fire is also burning in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area in Gloucester County.

The fire was first noticed by the Blue Anchor Fire Tower on Thursday afternoon. As of Friday evening, 75% of the 133-acre forest fire was under control.

There are currently no structures under threat and no roads affected.

Jackson Township Wildfire

And in Jackson Township in Ocean County, Shotgun Wildfire 350 acres burned and now 90% of it is under control.

The fire was first reported Wednesday afternoon, and evacuation orders were lifted in the evening, with 25 structures threatened by the flames.

Joann Bertone lives near the Jackson fire and said owners of animals and horses tried to arrange trailers to move them to safety.

“It was extremely scary,” he said. “I was up all night. It was frustrating.”

(Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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