Air Quality Alert Issued For Morris Co. As Wildfire Smoke Returns

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Although the severe thunderstorms have passed, we are now dealing with air quality issues as smoke from the ongoing wildfires in Canada returns to Morris County.

Morris County is under an Air Quality Alert from midnight Wednesday night, through midnight Thursday, according to the National Weather Service(NWS).

"Levels of fine particulates will remain elevated in the unhealthy for sensitive groups category statewide on Thursday due to residual Canadian wildfire smoke," the NWS said.

An Air Quality Advisory means that air quality within the area may approach or exceed unhealthy standards.

"Sensitive individuals, including those with heart or lung disease, the elderly, and the young should limit strenuous activities and the amount of time active outdoors," the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said on Thursday.

Wildfires have burned over 19 million acres since the start of the year, roughly 6.3 million of which were in Quebec, according to Accuweather.

With reporting by Nicole Rosenthal, Patch Staff