Wildfires in New Jersey: How warm, dry weather with gusty winds increases wildfire threat
New Jersey (WABC) — As temperatures begin to rise and wind gusts intensify, the threat of wildfires increases in our region.
Meteorologist Sam Champion believes that part of the wildfire risk is the lack of grass and bushes. Dry conditions and flower-free nature are the perfect storm when it comes to starting wildfires.
“Dry air, a few gusts of wind, these are all criteria for the Bureau of Meteorology to issue a fire watch or fire alarm,” Sam said.
“Winds over 25 miles per hour, relative humidity less than 30%, rain less than 1/4 inch over 3 days,” he added.
A fire weather warning has been issued for the entire state of Pennsylvania. Connecticut now has a red flag warning.
New York and New Jersey have not received any warnings, but Sam said the threat to the region remains very real.
“We’re all in the same boat. We’re all very dry and have the same gusts of wind…our air is so dry that when you’re trying to get off the north You can’t get a shower with it,” Sam said..”
Newscopter7 flew over Manchester Township, New Jersey, Wednesday morning. Massive wildfire spread through the region.
Crew members are battling blazes that span approximately 3,800 acres. About 50% of the fires have been contained so far.
Residents evacuated from Manchester Township were able to return home Wednesday morning, although some roads remain closed.
Also in New Jersey, a fire that started at a recycling plant on Tuesday afternoon has spread rapidly, igniting several wildfires that have burned near railroad tracks in Jersey City.
“This place, what they’re dealing with, is all recyclable paper, and when the fire department arrived, it was all bundled up and piled up, probably 10 to 12 feet high. No matter how much water you throw in there, you have to go in and dismantle it and that’s what they’re doing now,” said Greg Kiers, the City of Jersey’s Emergency Management Director. .
A fire blocked the direction of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service between Liberty State Park and Danforth Station during the evening rush hour.
The wind seems to have helped spread the flames into the surrounding dry area, where they sparked again.
Hours later, firefighters worked to extinguish a wildfire burning along the Teaneck Creek Conservation Area in Teaneck. The area between Teaneck Road and Frank W. Barr Boulevard has been closed, police said.
Officials remind civilians that the combination of high winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuel greatly increases the likelihood of fire growth.
more: NWS Advisories, Observations and Alerts
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https://abc7ny.com/fire-jersey-city-nj-transit-hudson-bergen-light-rail/13113992/ Wildfires in New Jersey: How warm, dry weather with gusty winds increases wildfire threat
