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Wildfires erupt in New Jersey, fueled by dry, windy conditions

By Emily Shapiro, ABC News Nov 8, 2024 | 9:28 AM
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(NEW JERSEY) — Multiple wildfires have erupted across New Jersey amid windy and dry conditions.

New Jersey residents should be prepared for smoke conditions to last for several days, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service warned on Friday.

A large brush fire broke out on the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Bergen County in northern New Jersey, near New York City. The fire covers 39 acres and is 30% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. No structures are threatened.

New York City Emergency Management said New Yorkers may smell smoke on Friday.

Another wildfire is threatening over 100 structures in Burlington and Camden counties in southern New Jersey, outside of Philadelphia. The blaze spans 360 acres and is 75% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.

In Jackson Township, in central New Jersey, the Shotgun Wildfire has burned through 350 acres and is 80% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. No structures are threatened.

Six other fires have been reported in the state.

Fire danger has increased in the Northeast due to the combination of a historically dry fall, gusty winds near 30 mph and relative humidity down to 25%. A red flag warning has been issued from Boston to New York City and Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, on the West Coast, the Mountain Fire in Southern California has exploded in size, blazing through 20,000 acres, destroying at least 220 structures and prompting mass evacuations.

Five civilians and one firefighter have been injured from the Mountain Fire, officials said. The fire is 7% contained.

ABC News’ Max Golembo contributed to this report.

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