Wildfires in Northeast United States worsen air quality in New York suburb

10/11/2024 17:00

        Wildfires in the northeastern United States have continued to spread, reaching New York City's suburban areas days ago and worsening air quality across the city and nearby regions over the weekend.
        
        The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported Saturday morning that it had contained 40 percent of a 39-acre wildfire along the Palisades Interstate Parkway in New Jersey. The affected area lies on the western banks of the Hudson River, close to Manhattan and only about 13 kilometers north of Central Park.
        
        The forest fire service said in a post that its crews remain on the scene with fire engines and ground support. Meanwhile, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality alert until 11 p.m. Saturday for New York City, Rockland and Westchester, citing increased particulate matter from wildfires in northern New Jersey. A brown haze was visible over New York City's skyline, with smoke lingering in the air.