Crime & Safety

Smoke Smell Wafting Across Region is from N.J. Forest Fire

A 1,500-acre fire has been burning since Sunday morning.

The smoke smell hanging in the air Monday morning is from a forest fire burning in southern New Jersey.

Crews have been batting the 1,500-acre fire in Wharton State Forest since Sunday morning. As of 9 a.m. Monday morning, the fire was only 50 percent contained.

Wharton State Forest is inland from Long Beach Island, north of the Atlantic City Expressway. The fire's remote location is making it harder for crews to battle, The Philadelphia Inquirer said.

Smoke from the massive fire can be smelled as far away as New York City.

An air quality alert has been issued for the easternmost parts of Pennsylvania. The air quality should be considered unsafe for people with lung issues including asthma, and for older and younger residents, according to the alert.


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