If you’ve been smelling and/or seeing smoke outside today you’re not alone. Multiple area residents have been posting about it on social media all morning. Luckily it hasn’t been their own properties, but unfortunately it is the result of large wildfires burning to the north and west of Cape May County.

[SCROLL DOWN FOR PICTURES FROM AROUND THE STATE]

One is the Bethany Run Wildfire in Burlington and Camden counties, which as of 10am this morning has burned 360 acres and threatened over 100 structures but is being reported by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service as 75% contained. Another, and the one that is more likely currently affecting our area, is the Pheasant Run Wildfire in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area in Gloucester County. As of 10:30am that fire has burned 133 acres and is 50% contained. Fires are also burning in Bergen County and Ocean County.

Our entire region is experiencing drought conditions which has led to an overabundance of dry material on the ground to help fuel fires. Winds are currently light which helps with firefighters’ efforts to control the flames, though they are expected to pick up throughout the day.

Fire restrictions remain in place across our area, with a Red Flag Warning in effect until 6pm today. This means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring or will be shortly. Bonfires and campfires are currently prohibited statewide unless they are contained in an elevated stove that uses propane, natural gas, gas, or electricity, and residents are advised to refrain from tossing cigarette butts on the ground or lighting fireworks.

If you smell smoke or see it in the sky, it is likely because of these fires. Residents are being urged not to call emergency services about this unless they see heavy black smoke or actual flames, but of course use your best judgment in regard to your safety. If you are in doubt about the source of smoke or fire, you can call 1-877-WARN-DEP.

[UPDATE 11/8/24 – 1:45pm]: Cape May County Emergency Management has posted a Smoke Advisory from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. It states that residents should expect today’s smoky conditions to continue off and on over the next several days, listing 9 wildfires burning troughout the state as the cause. It also cautions that conditions may worsen during the nighttime hours when the higher humidity causes the smoke to fall down to ground level. Until significant rainfall happens these conditions will likely persist. The advisory recommends that those with respiratory conditions keep all windows and doors shut and try to limit their outdoor activity.

[UPDATE 11/9/24 – 9:30am]: In its last update yesterday evening, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service declared that the Pheasant Run Wildfire was 75% contained and the Bethany Run Wildfire was 90% contained. There have been no further updates on these fires, though others continue to burn throughout the state and new fires have also arisen.