Wildfire Smoke May Affect Berkeley Residents; Take Precautions, Officials Say

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley Township residents may be smelling smoke from the Jones Road wildfire on Wednesday, Berkeley police said in an update.

Those who are sensitive to air quality issues or who have respiratory problems should take precautions including keeping windows closed and limiting time outdoors while smoke from the wildfire is present, health officials say.

The Jones Road wildfire had consumed 11,500 acres of forest as of noon Wednesday, and was 30 percent contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said.

Wind conditions on Wednesday had changed the direction of the smoke, and could continue to cause problems throughout the afternoon.

The police department also urged drivers to be aware that power was still out in some areas, and traffic signals were not operational on Forest Hills Parkway, Western Boulevard and at the Garden State Parkway.

"Please use alternate routes," police said. JCP&L was estimating 5 p.m. for the restoration.

Berkeley police also urged drivers to stay away from the areas affected by the fire unless necessary "so our first responders can operate effectively in combatting it."