NJ Wildfire Smoke Taints MD Air: Code Orange Alert Issued

MARYLAND — A smoky haze from wildfires in New Jersey is moving into the Baltimore region Thursday, prompting an alert for poor air quality with conditions expected to worsen through the day.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for the Baltimore City metro and Annapolis region.

"Light but noticeable smoke is expected to impact the state Thursday as a wildfire in Ocean County New Jersey continues to burn," the MDE said. "Current expectations are for a period of smoke in the early afternoon as daytime mixing brings enhanced smoke concentrations from aloft towards the surface."

By Friday, continued south winds will push any lingering smoke out of the region, officials said.

A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly.

The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.

For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles visit the Maryland Department of the Environment website.

The Jones Road Wildfire started around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in Ocean County, New Jersey. The fire prompted about 3,000 evacuations and multiple road closures in New Jersey.

A 19-year-old from Waretown, New Jersey, who was burning pallets is accused of igniting the wildfire that's burned through about 15,000 acres of Pinelands in Southern Ocean County, authorities said Thursday. Joseph Kling was charged with arson and aggravated arson on April 23 in connection with the Jones Road Wildfire.

Related:

• Waretown Man Accused Of Starting Jones Road Fire That Burned 15K Acres
• 12K Acre Wildfire Could Grow To NJ's Largest In 20 Years, Officials Say
• 10 Largest Wildfires In New Jersey's History: See Where They Burned, When
• NJ Wildfire: Pictures, Videos Depict Damage As Fire Rages