NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Smoke from a fast-moving wildfire in New Jersey is impacting air quality across the New York City area on Thursday, officials said, as a man was arrested on arson charges for allegedly starting the blaze.
Joseph Kling, 19, of Waretown, faces charges of aggravated arson and arson for allegedly starting the fire, according to Ocean County prosecutors. The fire was allegedly started in the area of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Ocean Township. Authorities attributed it to an "improperly extinguished bonfire."
"Further investigation has revealed that Kling was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire - and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished," the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.
Kling was being held at the Ocean County Jail as firefighters continued to battle the blaze Thursday. It had burned over 15,000 acres and was 50% contained, officials said.
Higher-than-normal pollution levels were expected in the five boroughs, as well as in Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland and Westchester counties, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said.
The DEC said “going indoors may reduce exposure” to problems such as eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath.
An Air Quality Alert was issued for most of the NYC area until midnight Thursday night.
There was a faint smell of smoke in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday as the air quality worsened.
Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol told 1010 WINS that Air Quality Index (AQI) levels could reach 101 AQI, which is in the range of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”
"We have masks that you can pick up, which are available at local precincts and public libraries," Iscol said. "And again, if you're experiencing any symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain—please make sure to seek medical attention. Don't take any chances."
The current AQI can be found at AirNow.gov.
During the Canadian wildfires in June 2023, New York City recorded its worst-ever AQI level—484 on a scale to 500—as the skies turned a blazing orange.
The smoke is being driven by winds from the southeast, according to AccuWeather. The smoke shouldn’t be severe like in 2023, but it could cause a general haziness and a reduction in visibility, along with worsening air.
It will otherwise be sunny with patchy clouds and a high of 74 degrees in the city.
The fire had grown to more than 20 square miles and could continue to burn for days, officials said. No one has been injured so far in the blaze, and 5,000 residents were evacuated but have been permitted to return home. A single commercial building and some vehicles were destroyed in the fire, while 12 structures remained threatened Wednesday evening.
“This is still a very active fire,” said New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “As we continue to get this under full control the expectation is that the number of acres will grow and will grow in a place that is unpopulated.”
The Ocean County Sheriff's Office in New Jersey also cautioned early Thursday about air quality, saying “smoke will continue to permeate the area.” It said emergency personnel will be on site for the next few days.
In New York, dry conditions across the state are resulting in a “high” fire danger rating in several regions including New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and portions of the North Country, the state air quality advisory said. The rest of the state is at a moderate or low level of fire danger.
Officials said the fire is believed to be the second worst in the last two decades, smaller only than a 2007 blaze that burned 26 square miles.
Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency Wednesday and officials said they’ve contained about 50% of the wildfire.
Video released by the state agency overseeing the fire service showed billowing white and black clouds of smoke, intense flames engulfing pines and firefighters dousing a charred structure.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.