air quality nyc

New Jersey Wildfire Smoke Prompts Air Quality Alert for New York City and Long Island

New Yorkers, breathe easy – but maybe not too deeply. Smoke drifting from a massive wildfire raging in New Jersey's Pine Barrens is impacting air quality in New York City and Long Island. An Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued, urging residents to take precautions, especially those with respiratory sensitivities. Here's what you need to know.

The Blaze in the Barrens: What's Burning?

A significant wildfire, dubbed the "Jones Road Fire," is currently burning in Ocean County, New Jersey. As of Wednesday evening, April 23, 2025, the fire had consumed approximately 13,500 acres and was about 50% contained, according to the Asbury Park Press. The fire prompted temporary evacuation orders and the closure of a portion of the Garden State Parkway, according to CNN. NBC10 Philadelphia is providing live updates as crews continue to battle the blaze.

Recent Updates on the New Jersey Wildfire

• April 22, 2025: Evacuation orders were lifted, and a section of the Garden State Parkway reopened as firefighters made progress against the wildfire (CNN).
• April 23, 2025: The fire had burned 13,500 acres and was 50% contained. (Asbury Park Press)
• April 24, 2025: An Air Quality Health Advisory was issued for New York City Metro and Long Island due to smoke from the New Jersey wildfires (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation).

Why You Should Care About Air Quality in NYC

Air quality affects everyone, but some individuals are more vulnerable to the negative impacts of air pollution. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma are particularly at risk. Poor air quality can trigger asthma attacks, worsen heart conditions, and lead to other health problems.

Context: The Pine Barrens and Wildfire Risk

The New Jersey Pine Barrens, also known as the Pinelands National Reserve, is a unique ecological area characterized by sandy soil and pitch pine forests. This type of environment is naturally prone to wildfires, especially during dry and windy conditions. While wildfires are a natural part of the Pine Barrens ecosystem, human activity, such as accidental ignitions, can increase the frequency and intensity of these fires.

Immediate Effects: What to Expect in NYC and Long Island

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the State Department of Health (DOH) issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter on Thursday, April 24, 2025, for the New York City Metro and Long Island regions. This advisory is due to the potential impact of smoke from the wildfires in New Jersey.

The National Weather Service predicts that air quality on Long Island could be worse closer to New York City.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are some tips from health officials on how to protect yourself during the Air Quality Health Advisory:

• Limit outdoor exertion: Reduce strenuous activities, especially if you experience symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
• Stay indoors: Spend more time indoors, especially in air-conditioned environments.
• Keep windows and doors closed: This will help minimize the amount of smoke entering your home or office.
• Use air purifiers: If you have an air purifier, use it to help filter out particulate matter.
• Monitor air quality reports: Stay informed about the latest air quality conditions in your area. You can check resources like AirNow.gov or IQAir for real-time updates.
• Check with your doctor: If you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, talk to your doctor about what precautions you should take.

Future Outlook: What's Next for Air Quality and Wildfire Management?

The duration of the Air Quality Health Advisory will depend on the progress of containing the New Jersey wildfire and weather patterns. As long as the fire continues to burn and winds carry the smoke towards New York, air quality may remain compromised.

Long-Term Considerations

The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, particularly in regions like the Pine Barrens, highlight the growing threat posed by climate change. Warmer temperatures, drier conditions, and changes in precipitation patterns contribute to increased wildfire risk. Effective wildfire management strategies, including prevention, early detection, and rapid response, are crucial to mitigating the impacts of these fires on air quality and public health.

Air Quality Resources: Stay Informed

Here are some reliable resources for monitoring air quality and staying informed:

• AirNow.gov: A one-stop source for air quality data, providing local, state, national, and world views.
• IQAir: Offers real-time air quality index (AQI) and PM2.5 levels for various locations.
• AccuWeather: Provides current and forecast air quality data and information.

By staying informed and taking precautions, New Yorkers can protect their health during this period of compromised air quality.